Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after voting for the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support Arkansas and American service members:

“I was proud to cast my support for our service members and families across the globe, including the airmen and airwomen of Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) and the Arkansas Guardsmen at Camp Robinson because, as they serve in all corners of the globe, they deserve to know that their nation stands behind them one hundred per cent – no exceptions.

“This is the 57th consecutive year that House and Senate have come together in a bipartisan fashion to authorize funding for our brave men and women in uniform, this year, authorizing our nation’s defense funding is critical for boosting our military’s readiness, combating global terrorism, and giving military personnel a much-deserved percent pay increase.

“This measure also continues the important work of last year’s NDAA by authorizing more than $200 million to upgrade and modernize our C-130 fleet, something that is especially important for LRAFB, the nation’s tactical airlift ‘Center of Excellence,’ and this needed funding will guarantee these planes remain an essential part of our national security for years to come.

“I also want to thank Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK) for his support in adding an amendment during committee consideration that will ease the cost burden of financial institutions on military installations, a policy solution that I have worked on for more than a year and that will benefit central Arkansas’s service members and their families.”

Background:

The FY19 National Defense Authorization Act does the following:

• Supports necessary increase in topline funding to support our troops and readiness recovery consistent with Congress’ and President Trump's commitment to rebuild the military.

• Pay raise of 2.6% for our troops - largest in 9 years. 

• Increase 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:

• Increases funding for training in each of the Services;
• $18.6 billion to begin to rehabilitate and replace worn out Army equipment;
• $39.5 billion to begin to overcome the crisis in military aviation by getting more aircraft in the air;
• $36.0 billion to restore America’s strength at sea;
• $23.3 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.

• 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.