WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved its version of the $717 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2019 on Thursday, with a bipartisan
351 to 66 vote that included 131 Democrats. The significant increase in the NDAA budget garnered the support of both parties, which cited concerns about the readiness of the U.S. military. Democratic amendments aimed at limiting spending on nuclear weapons and slashing the National Nuclear Security Administration’s weapons account were defeated.
According to Military Times, the House’s version of the bill “includes plans to boost active-duty military end strength, a 2.6 percent pay raise for troops, and sizeable boosts for military aviation upgrades and equipment maintenance, all in line with White House plans to boost American defense power.”
The budget
will allow defense officials “to spend more than $39 billion on military aviation upgrades,” and includes $44 billion to replace Army equipment and parts, as well as general equipment maintenance. The measure also includes plans for 77 new F-35 fighter jets, two submarines, and modernization plans for nearly 3,400 tactical vehicles.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) says the bill “takes the next steps to rebuilding our military and reforming the Pentagon, the next steps towards strengthening our country’s national security.”
Democrats attempted to include gun control legislation in the bill that would have expanded background checks, while Republicans sought to include an amendment requiring the military buy only American-made dinner and flatware. Both amendments were defeated during the three day process but more than 500 others were added.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), one of only 59 House Democrats to vote against the bill, said:
Instead of a blueprint for peace and security, this NDAA continues the practice of endless war with no input or oversight from our congressional leaders.”
Earlier this week the White House signaled that Trump would sign the bill.
The Senate version of the NDAA spending bill
was passed Thursday by a U.S. Senate committee in a closed session. It includes a measure barring Turkey from purchasing F-35 fighter jets.
Should (Could) TRUMP have REFUSED to sign that bill ?