Legislation to Strengthen National Defense Passes Senate with Provisions Championed by Senator Collins

Statement

Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 86 to 8. This legislation will strengthen our national defense and support our men and women in uniform. U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, voted in favor of the bill. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.

The NDAA authorizes $750 billion for national defense so that our military has the resources it needs to confront threats around the globe. The funding will increase training, accelerate modernization efforts, bolster readiness, and support members of the armed forces.

"Our state has an integral role in our national security thanks to the numerous Mainers who have answered the call to serve our nation in uniform and the thousands of hardworking Mainers who build and maintain our naval fleet, aircraft, and other military assets," said Senator Collins. "This legislation is vitally important, not only for strengthening the defense of our nation, but also for bolstering our support for the brave men and women in our armed forces and ensuring that they have the equipment they need to carry out their missions effectively. I am particularly pleased that the NDAA includes the largest pay increase for our troops in a decade as well as an amendment I authored to help servicemembers acquire the skills they need to obtain good-paying jobs upon returning to civilian life."

Source