Senate passes defense bill, military members to see pay raise

News Mississippi

 

 

By Alex Paton

 

Earlier this week the Senate passed the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which is a measure that sets the national security policy and authorizes funding to equip and train the U.S. military.

 

The bill authorizes a total of $716 billion for U.S. national defense and will help establish flexible policies to meet national security challenges. In addition, the legislation provides a 2.6% pay raise, which is the largest pay raise for service members in the past 10 years.

 

“Provisions in this National Defense Authorization Act establish the policies the President and our military leaders need to rebuild our Armed Forces,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who also serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “It authorizes increased appropriations to provide our fighting forces with resources, equipment, and training they require to protect the American people.”

 

Hyde-Smith said the bill which passed by a vote of 85-10, includes appropriations authorizations for aircraft and ship procurement that could affect Mississippi.

 

“I look forward to supporting the defense appropriations bill that will fulfill these authorized priorities, including the 2.6 percent pay raise for our servicemen and women,” said Hyde-Smith.