Granger praises Senate passage of final defense authorization bill

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) on Tuesday commended the U.S. Senate’s 86-8 vote passing the final version of the nation’s fiscal year (FY) 2020 defense authorization legislation.

“I was proud to be personally involved in creating a bill that is so vitally important to our national defense and to the thousands of north Texans whose careers and families depend on the defense and aviation industry,” said Rep. Granger, ranking member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.

The Senate on Dec. 17 approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, S. 1790, which authorizes policies for U.S. Department of Defense programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“I was proud to fight to make sure this year’s defense spending bill provides our military with the resources needed to keep this country safe, and also provides the top-notch care our military families deserve,” Rep. Granger added.

Rep. Granger also applauded the bill’s protection of jobs for U.S. military service members, including those stationed at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base in Texas, which she called “an exceptional base” where “thousands of my constituents design and build the equipment and technology that is needed to keep our military strong.”

She noted the importance to her district under the NDAA for the authorization of 98 F-35 aircraft and an additional $779 million for the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program.

“These programs will keep our nation at the front of the fight and will both protect and increase jobs in north Texas,” said Rep. Granger.

The NDAA also authorizes a 3.1 percent military pay raise, research for diseases affecting service members, and mental health prevention resources, the congresswoman said.

“The health and well-being of our military members and their families is a national priority, and I am proud to support them in this year’s appropriations bill,” Rep. Granger said.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 11 approved the final version of S. 1790 on a 377-48 vote.