[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Now, on another matter, Madam President, the Senate 
took a major step forward on behalf of our national defense. After 
years of harmful spending caps undermining the combat readiness of our 
armed services, we brokered a 2-year spending agreement that included 
the largest year-on-year increase in defense funding in 15 years. This 
significant accomplishment laid out a roadmap to deliver on the 
promises we make to our warfighters. Now it is time to take the next 
step and authorize the programs that are most needed. That is why the 
Senate will soon be turning to the John S. McCain National Defense 
Authorization Act.
  Each year, reviewing the President's budget request provides an 
opportunity to hear directly from our Nation's military leaders about 
their needs. Months of hearings and markups allow Congress to direct 
resources and authorize programs, equipping our brave service men and 
women to confront emerging challenges.
  The Armed Services Committee should be commended for their earnest, 
bipartisan work this year. The legislation they have produced is 
strong.
  Following our agreement that eliminated harmful and arbitrary caps on 
defense spending, this legislation will add to the process of untying 
our commanders' hands. It authorizes $716 billion for national defense, 
enough for the Department of Defense to implement the national defense 
strategy and replenish and modernize America's fighting forces--as long 
as we meet our overall responsibility and pass the Defense 
appropriations bill later this year.
  This authorization would expand our capabilities on the sea and in 
the air, provide long-term certainty and support for our All-Volunteer 
Force, renew oversight efforts, streamline personnel management, 
modernize acquisitions, and eliminate duplicative and wasteful 
programs. It sends a clear message that we have our warfighters' backs. 
How fitting, then, that it is named for our colleague, Senator McCain--
a stalwart champion for our service men and women if this Chamber has 
ever seen one.
  I look forward to discussing this legislation at length in the coming 
days.

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