Press Releases

Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) today released the following statement after the House passed the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act conference report (H.R. 5515). “After nearly a decade of cuts to defense spending, today we are taking another big step to reverse the course of the previous administration and persist in our work to rebuild our national security, repair our national defense, and restore America’s leadership position in the world. “There is nothing more important than the safety of the American people and the security of our country. But to have a safe and secure country, we must sufficiently fund our military and its operations to remain the strongest fighting force in the world. Our threats are not diminishing so we must ensure our military’s readiness and capabilities aren’t either. As President George Washington said, such preparation is ‘the most effectual means of preserving peace.’ “This NDAA demonstrates our commitment to rebuild the military and make key investments in our readiness; at the same time, we give our troops a long-overdue and well-deserved pay raise so we can continue to recruit and retain the very best soldiers, sailors, and airmen America has to offer. “Additionally, this NDAA authorizes full funding for Dyess for operations and critical missions such as the development of the next generation bomber, the B-21, ensuring Dyess and West Texas can continue to play a leadership role in protecting our nation and our allies against emerging threats for years to come.” The FY19 NDAA Conference Report: Includes provisions authored by Congressman Arrington to provide servicemembers transitioning from active duty to civilian life with individualized training programs that best fit their experience and career goals, and connects them with community programs. Supports necessary increase in topline funding to support our troops and readiness recovery consistent with the Trump Administration’s commitment to rebuild the military. Provides a pay raise of 2.6% for our troopsthe largest in nearly a decade. Increases the size of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Naval and Air Reserve, as well as Air Guard. Makes major reforms in Pentagon bureaucracy and streamlines buying practices. Increases funding to rebuild our military and support readiness recovery including $40.8 billion to begin to overcome the crisis in military aviation by getting more aircraft in the air and $23.5 billion to sustain, repair and rebuild crumbling military buildings and other infrastructure. Makes critical investments in missile defense and our nuclear deterrent, which is the cornerstone of our national security. Makes key investments in other critical military capabilities to confront aggression and address threats around the world, including threats from Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. Protects the United States from malicious technology from Chinese companies like ZTE and Huawei by banning those companies from doing business with the United States Government or any entity that does business with the United States Government. Authorizes funding for co-development and co-production of missile defense and weapon systems with our key ally Israel. Advances innovative technologies that will reform the way we will fight and win wars. Click HERE to read the full NDAA conference report summary.