Senate Passes John S. McCain National Defense Authoriation Act For Fiscal Year 2019

Statement

Today the Senate passed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA) by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 85-10. The legislation, named in honor of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ), would support $716 billion in funding for national defense for fiscal year 2019 and provide America's service members the training, resources and equipment they need. Chairman McCain released the following statement applauding the Senate's passage of this bill:

"I am proud that the Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and I'm deeply humbled that my colleagues saw fit to do me the undeserved honor of designating it in my name," said Chairman McCain. "This legislation continues our reform agenda and helps better position the Department of Defense and the joint force to implement the National Defense Strategy by continuing to restore readiness, rebuild capacity, and modernize capabilities.

"I am grateful to Senator Jim Inhofe for shepherding this important legislation in my absence and to Senator Jack Reed for the spirit of partnership he always brings to this endeavor. Their bipartisan collaboration represents the best of the Congress and has become a hallmark of the NDAA.

"While I wish the Senate had been able to come to an agreement to debate and vote on more amendments, I am glad the legislation proceeded under regular order and that Senators Inhofe and Reed were able to work with leadership to incorporate 45 amendments from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. And I'm proud that the Senate Armed Services Committee did its work by considering and adopting over 300 bipartisan amendments during the committee markup.

"Serving in the U.S. Senate is one of the great honors of my life, especially having a hand in 32 consecutive NDAAs. In my time as a member and now chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have found high purpose in the service of a cause greater than self--the cause of the women and men in uniform who defend America and all she stands for."

The legislation now moves to conference negotiations with the House of Representatives.

Source