WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the House passed the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report by a vote of 356-70:
“This marks the 54th consecutive year that the House and Senate have come together to fund our defense. Our armed forces are the most effective in the world, and our brave men and women in uniform deserve the funding, tools, and support they need to successfully complete their strategic missions around the globe. I was proud to support authorizing our nation’s critical defense funding today that boosts our military’s readiness, combats global terrorism, and gives military personnel a much-deserved 2.4 percent pay increase.
“This legislation also authorizes more than $120 million to increase modernization of the C-130 Hercules fleet, which is the backbone of our Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard at Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB). LRAFB is the nation’s tactical airlift ‘Center of Excellence,’ and this essential funding will guarantee these planes remain an essential part of our national security.”
