Skip to main content

Banks votes to restore U.S. military readiness

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted Tuesday, Nov. 14, in favor of the Conference Report for the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (ND-AA).

The legislation, which passed 356 to 70, will restore military readiness, address threats and promote effective investments to rebuild the military.

During debate on the legislation, Banks spoke in support of the bill.

“As the most recently deployed veteran serving in Congress, I know the national security challenges facing our country,” he said. “While these challenges are not easily solved, this legislation represents a significant step forward.”

The legislation’s nearly $700 billion topline will provide the largest pay raise for troops in eight years, increase the size of every branch of the military and increase funding for military facilities and implement new oversight tools, including implementing the Defense Department’s first financial audit.

The House passed its version of the NDAA earlier this summer. A joint House/Senate Conference Committee reconciled the differences between the two bills and drafted the final bill voted on by the House. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.