Duckworth Statement on Senate Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bipartisan legislation would increase pay for our servicemembers and their families, improve the way our Armed Forces address domestic violence and authorize the purchase of new naval ships, aviation assets, armored vehicles and 5th generation fighter aircraft that allow us to defend our interests, support our allies and project our power.

"The brave men and women of our Armed Forces are willing to put their lives in danger to defend our country and our constitution. They deserve to know that our country is behind them, and this legislation is an expression of that commitment," said Senator Duckworth. "In order to ensure our war-fighters are prepared to contend with the full range of threats we face, this NDAA makes critical investments in our personal equipment and modernization programs and makes important down-payments on our greatest assets: servicemembers, their loved ones and Gold Star Families. The Senate's passage of this legislation is a positive step and I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues to make this happen."

The NDAA authorizes funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), sets our nation's defense policy, and ensures that our Servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation. Senator Duckworth also filed several amendments to the NDAA that would have expanded partnerships between DOD and Illinois facilities, required DOD to help servicemembers apply for citizenship and begin tracking how many Veterans are deported, required more transparency about military activities around the world, and prevented Donald Trump from making a rash decision about troop reductions on the Korean Peninsula that would negatively impact our national security.

"Moving forward, I will continue to fight for every person who is willing to put their life on the line in service to this great nation," added Senator Duckworth. "I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve servicemembers' transitions to civilian life, increase access to counseling and treatment for servicemembers struggling with opioid addiction, prevent military families from going hungry and ensure that DOD partners in Illinois continue to play a vital role in advancing our national security."

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