2018 NDAA Includes 13 Cruz Amendments Critical to Texas and U.S. National Security; Expands F-35 fleet, Provides $512M in Military Construction Funds to Texas

Statement

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today praised the passage of FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) markup process earlier this week, which provides numerous military necessities, including over $512 million in military construction funds to the state of Texas for 2018. Sen. Cruz sponsored 13 amendments and cosponsored six, that were successfully adopted into the bill, benefitting both Texas and our military interests abroad and in space, which will now proceed to consideration before the full U.S. Senate.

"The passage of this year's NDAA marks a critical step in rebuilding our nation's military, further protecting our national security interests at home and abroad, and fulfilling our promise to better equip and train our men and women in uniform for their mission," Sen. Cruz said. "I am pleased that we were able to increase the readiness of our Armed Services and include important provisions that will benefit Texas communities across the state. This bill includes vital military construction funds necessary to Texas installations, increases the number of F-35s to ensure the continuation of our air superiority and begins the much-needed rebuilding of our military. This bill also provides a well-deserved pay increase to our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who defend our nation and freedoms every day."

Cruz continued, "Beyond Texas, the environment overseas for the United States remains volatile, dangerous, and unpredictable. After eight years of a foreign policy geared toward appeasing America's enemies and ignoring America's friends, it is imperative for the United States to reassure our partners that we will stand with them in the face of current and emerging threats. Strength abroad translates to safety at home, and a revitalized American foreign policy will aid in ensuring a stable and secure American homeland."

Sen. Cruz sponsored and cosponsored several amendments made to the NDAA specifically benefiting Texas military installations and the servicemen and women based in the Lone Star State. He also sponsored and cosponsored numerous amendments benefitting our military interests across the world and in space, specifically those that will strengthen our relations with Taiwan and India, hold accountable the hostile regimes in Iran and Venezuela, explore ways to secure vital domestic infrastructure from electromagnetic attack, and anchor American leadership in space.

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