After a week filled with patriotic displays of flags and fireworks, countless local parades, and days filled with families and friends firing up the grill, I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July. It is a truly special time of the year. Not only are we celebrating the birth of our great nation, but we are honoring and remembering those who fight to ensure we continue to enjoy unparalleled freedom.

The brave men and women who serve our nation ensure the safety and liberty of all Americans, and we owe them our utmost support both when they come home from service and while they’re fighting for our nation. That’s why the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Fiscal Year 2019 Defense Appropriations Bill to provide critical funds that our armed forces need to rebuild our military, improve and maintain readiness, and support our soldiers by giving them a 2.6% pay raise – the largest in 9 years.

The appropriations bill boosts base funding for the military by $17.1 billion over the Fiscal Year 2018 funding. It also ensures our military can continue to fight the global war on terrorism and continue overseas contingency operations by providing for personnel requirements, equipment upgrades, and additional support.

I also voted to replenish our military by providing funds for additional equipment including navy ships, helicopters, and F-18 aircraft which are built right here in Missouri. The production of F-18 aircraft will create an estimated 13,000 jobs, support 91 supplier companies in Missouri, and bring more than $600 million to our state’s economy each year.

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, let us remember the sacrifices of our military and their families. I will continue to ensure our soldiers and veterans are a priority, and I hope you will join me in thanking them for their service.

###