U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The men and women who defend our freedoms are our country’s most valuable asset,” Luetkemeyer said. “As a Member of Congress, I have a responsibility to provide these men and women with the equipment and supplies that improve their capabilities on the battlefield and keep them safe. This legislation increases the size of each branch of our Armed Forces while fully funding the 2.4 percent pay raise guaranteed to our men and women in uniform under current law. The Fiscal Year 2018 NDAA also helps to address the readiness crisis facing our military following years of under-funding. Our troops sacrifice so much for our country and are the greatest fighting force on this planet. This bill provides them with the tools and equipment that match their skill and proficiency.”

Additional provisions in the NDAA:

-22 F/A-18 Super Hornets that address our critical strike fighter shortfall and support 13,000 jobs in Missouri.
-Prohibition on transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States, and transfer of the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay to Cuba.
-Prohibition on the closure of military medical facilities.
-Reforms that provide the Department of Defense with the tools to streamline bureaucracy and make better business decisions.
-Provides for an audit of the Pentagon for the first time in history.