House lawmakers pass FY-18 defense policy bill

The full House this morning approved the fiscal year 2018 defense authorization bill by a 344-81 vote. 

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) said in a statement the bill "takes the necessary steps to begin to rebuild and reform our military, including billions in additional funds to begin to close the dangerous readiness gaps our troops are facing."

In addition to giving troops their biggest pay raise in eight years, the House version of the bill "beefs up missile defense at a time when the threats continue to increase. It increases end strength to provide our services the personnel they need to complete the missions we send them on. The bill also makes major reforms in acquisition and services contracting," according to Thornberry.

The Senate will consider its version of the bill after it addresses healthcare legislation. Because of that, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) earlier this week directed the chamber to remain in session during the first two weeks of its scheduled August recess.