REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS VOTES TO IMPROVE TROOP NUMBERS, PAY, TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT IN NATIONAL DEFENSE CONFERENCE REPORT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted today for the House-Senate Conference Report on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to improve troop numbers, pay, training and equipment, after years of budget cuts.

            “The United States has the best fighting force in the world. But we’ve been asking them to do more with less. ISIS exploded in the Middle East. Iran is emboldened. The Obama Administration’s reset with Russia encouraged aggression in Eastern Europe. China and North Korea are threatening U.S. allies in the Pacific,” said Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04).

            “Projecting weakness endangers Americans. This bill makes clear the U.S. will protect our national security. It fulfills Congress’ number-one duty to provide for the common defense. The safety of our men and women in uniform is paramount. Without them, freedom and prosperity would be impossible.”

            The legislation is the product of numerous congressional hearings, as well as Rep. DesJarlais’ meetings with constituents in Washington, D.C., and across Tennessee, home to Arnold Air Force Base, Fort Campbell, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and other facilities, where researchers develop and test the next generation of advanced weaponry, and soldiers train for combat.

            Rep. DesJarlais is a member of the Subcommittees on Readiness, overseeing troop preparedness, as well as Seapower and Projection Forces, overseeing naval and various defense technology. The Conference Report includes his effort to address weaknesses in the nation’s nuclear infrastructure. Recently, he visited the Y-12 Nuclear Security Complex adjacent to Oak Ridge, in addition to the 118^th Air National Guard Wing in Nashville and the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, Alabama.

            “The Aerospace and Defense Technology Corridor spanning Middle Tennessee is a major military and economic asset,” said Rep. DesJarlais. “Supporting the people who live and work in our local defense industry makes our entire country stronger.”

            The President is expected to quickly sign today’s legislation, which includes a funding boost for missile defense and modernizes the Space Command. It streamlines defense acquisitions and financial auditing to save taxpayers billions of dollars, while the 2.4 percent pay raise for troops represents the largest increase in eight years.

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