Cole Applauds Passage of NDAA Conference Report

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed the Conference Report to H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. It passed in the House by a vote of 359-54 with Cole's support.

This legislation authorizes the necessary funding for the Department of Defense and is consistent with President Trumps commitment to rebuild our military and improve readiness. It supports the back-log in aircraft maintenance and improve sustainment and logistics, which is a key mission at Tinker Air Force Base. The size of the Air Force will increase by 4,700 military personnel to include Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen. The Army active force will increase by 4,000 soldiers to 487,500 troops. Additionally, this bill provides for Long-Range Precision Fires and short-range air defense programs which are top priorities and key to the mission at Fort Sill.

"From strategic readiness, to increases in end strength, this year's NDAA will support the largest restoration of the U.S. military in 15 years," said Cole. "This bill supports the war-fighter and their families. It ensures our military will be equipped and trained to counter threats around the world. Additionally, it authorizes new research and development initiatives to counter threats from our adversaries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. I applaud Chairman Thornberry, House Leadership and the Conference committee for their diligent work to present and pass another successful NDAA bill of which we are fundamentally committed to. The next priority now is to pass the Defense Appropriations bill on time before the September 30^th deadline."