Cole Applauds Passage of NDAA for Fiscal Year 2018

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he voted for H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. This legislation authorizes funding and operations for the Department of Defense and military personnel, and was passed in the House by a vote of 344-81.

"Providing the resources necessary to adequately fund our nation's armed forces is one of Congress's fundamental responsibilities" said Cole. "The final product that the House has crafted demonstrates strong bipartisan policies, and brings forth the framework to build a more robust military with stronger readiness.

"I am pleased that my amendment regarding a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) was adopted into the final bill. It directs the President to provide to Congress a strategy and a budgetary analysis needed to defeat Al-Quaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS, no later than 30 days after final passage. The report should also include a request for an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). While our nation has been in a state of war since 2001, the last AUMF was passed in 2003. Congress owes it to the American people and our men and women deployed for battle, to reaffirm our national commitment to the missions we are sending our soldiers into.

"This year's NDAA contains the largest boost in military funding in eight years with a $631.5 billion for base budget requirements and a $28.5 billion increase for readiness recovery that is above the President's budget request. It also remains committed to our troops and their families with full funding of the 2.4% pay raise they are entitled to. It supports increased funding for facility maintenance, restoration and modernization by $1.4 billion, as well as increases for depot maintenance to monitor and repair important equipment and machinery."

Other key provisions in NDAA FY 18 include:

• Provides the resources necessary to support Afghanistan, combat the Taliban and other terrorist organizations, and continues to support our mission to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
• Increases the end strength of our military troops
• Continuing the authorization for the Air Force's KC-46A Tanker program, Army's Paladin PIM, and provisions to modernize the Patriot Missile which are key programs for Oklahoma.

"For 56 years consecutively, Congress has faithfully acted on its promise to provide for our military. It is our duty to do everything we can to support those who dedicate their lives to defend and protect our freedoms. This legislation is asignificant step towards bringing our military up to the levels necessary to carry out their mission."

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