WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised Senate passage of the John S. McCain 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes $716 billion to equip and train America’s 21st-century forces to meet and overcome today’s security challenges. The bipartisan bill authorizes more than $150 million in funding secured by Senator McConnell for military construction projects at installations in Kentucky in addition to other defense priorities. The bill also supports our troops with a well-earned pay raise. This comes on the heels of Senator McConnell’s work earlier this year to negotiate the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which unwound harmful sequestration and increased defense spending.
“I was proud to support year’s defense authorization legislation named in honor of my friend, Senator John McCain,” Senator McConnell said. “I take seriously Congress’ solemn responsibility to provide our nation’s servicemembers with the training, weaponry and capabilities they need to protect our country, and this legislation authorizes these resources.”
Senator McConnell helped secure authorization for the following Kentucky priorities in the legislation:
• $26M for a Digital Air/Ground Integration Range at Fort Knox
• $32M for a Vehicle Maintenance Shop at Fort Campbell
• $18M for a Microgrid and Power Plant at Fort Campbell
• $62.6M for the Fort Campbell Middle School
• $5.4M for a Special Operations Forces Logistics Support Operations Facility at Fort Campbell
• $9.1M for a Special Operations Forces Air/Ground Integration Urban Live Fire Range at Fort Campbell
• $5.1M for a Special Operations Forces Multi-Use Helicopter Training Facility at Fort Campbell
• $993.8M for Department of Defense chemical agents and munitions destruction activities, which will support chemical demilitarization efforts at the Blue Grass Army Depot.
“Representing the men and women of the Armed Forces serving in the Commonwealth is one of my greatest privileges. Home to Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, the Blue Grass Army Depot, and the fine citizen soldiers and airmen of the Kentucky National Guard, our state plays an important role in serving our country’s national security needs,” Senator McConnell added. “With passage of this legislation, the warfighters serving in Kentucky will receive the equipment, training, and resources they need to address the threats facing our nation. We owe a special obligation to those who volunteer to serve our country in uniform, and I will continue to support them in the Senate.”
The House and Senate will now work to negotiate a final conference agreement of the NDAA to send to President Trump for his signature.
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