U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, praised the Senate for giving final approval to the important National Defense Authorization Act, which funds the U.S. military and defense priorities. The final passage comes after the chamber approved a conference report. The House approved the conference report Tuesday. Now, the legislation will now move to the president’s desk for his signature.
“In our world today, a robust national security is of the utmost importance. This legislation works to provide just that — protection for our country and care for our troops. The NDAA is a vital step in the process of funding America’s defense,” Shelby said. “By passing this bill — the 60th annual NDAA — the Senate is sending a strong message to our adversaries around the globe that we will remain the most powerful force in the world. Over the last four years, President Trump has worked to rebuild and modernize our Armed Forces. I am pleased we are on the path to continue that process and look forward to securing funding for the Department of Defense through our FY21 appropriations bills.”
The conference report passed the Senate by a vote of 84 to 13. It authorizes a total of $740.5 billion for national defense priorities. The legislation includes a 3 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces for the second year in a row, it also accelerates the innovation of key capabilities and technologies, and encourages investments in the next generation of ships, planes, tanks and weapons.
President Donald Trump has threatened to veto the NDAA because it renames military bases that were named for Confederates and because it did not include a provision he wanted to alter protections social media companies have from liability.
Despite presidential opposition, the NDAA passed both chambers of Congress with sufficient margins to override a threatened presidential veto.
Shelby is the chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense.
