Thursday, Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) voted today in favor of legislation providing full funding for the Department of Defense. This marks the first time since 2008 that Congress has passed a full funding bill for the Department of Defense before the end of the fiscal year.
“I’ve heard over and over again from our military leaders about the need for budget certainty and on-time funding, and this bill provides just that,” Rep. Byrne said. “From the largest pay raise for our troops in nine years to funding for Alabama defense priorities like the Austal shipyard, this bill allows us to rebuild the military and support those who defend our country. At the end of the day, I supported this bill because there is no greater responsibility of the Congress than to provide for our nation’s defense.”
“I want to be clear though: there are many other important priorities that must be included in the next round of funding bills we will take up before the end of the year, like the money President Trump has requested to secure the border,” Rep. Byrne said. “As we work on the bills for the other government agencies, it is critical these priorities be included.”
The bipartisan bill passed by a vote of 361 to 61. It has already passed the Senate and now heads to President Trump for his signature.
Among the priorities important to Alabama and Congressman Byrne, the bill funds: hree Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) built by Austal USA in Mobile; one Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) built by Austal; Lakota and Blackhawk Helicopters important to Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass; missile defense and Army research programs at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville; directed energy and hypersonics programs being developed in Huntsville; F-35 fighter jets, some of which will be based with the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery; missiles constructed by Lockheed Martin in Troy; Stryker vehicles and Hydra rockets built in Anniston; and Navy shipbuilding programs at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula.
The bill also includes funding to combat the opioid epidemic, respond to Hurricane Florence, improve school safety, support career and technical education programs, and boost life-saving medical research.
Congressman Bradley Byrne is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Congressman Byrne is seeking another term representing Alabama’s First Congressional District. He faces Robert Kennedy Jr. (D) in the November 6 general election.
