House passes FY-19 defense authorization bill

The House voted 351-66 to pass the fiscal year 2019 defense authorization bill today, a strong bipartisan vote that adheres to funding levels set by a bipartisan budget agreement.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) praised lawmakers for passing the bill for the 58th straight year.

“The key focus of this bill is restoring readiness to ensure that when our men and women in uniform go out on mission, they have the best equipment, the best training and the best support our nation can provide,” he said in a statement. “This bill also takes crucial steps toward rebuilding our military and reforming the Pentagon. I know that we are in a political business, but there is a time to leave politics at the door. There is also a time to come together to tell allies and adversaries alike that we are serious about defending this country. And most of all, there is a time to come together to support the men and women who risk their lives to defend our country and protect our freedoms.”

Meanwhile, the Senate Armed Services Committee completed its version of the bill last night but has yet to publicly release details.