Today, the House passed the conference report to accompany the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 356-70. 

“Today, I joined my House colleagues in sending a strong bipartisan message to the American people that restoring our military readiness is a national priority,” said Rep. Bacon.  “As a member of the Conference Committee for this important legislation, I am pleased by the strong consensus we have forged in Congress to repair the damage done to our Armed Forces.”

Congressman Bacon was the only freshman member of the House of Representatives to be named as a House Armed Services Committee NDAA Conferee. 

The 2018 NDAA: 

- Authorizes nearly $700B for national defense, an increase of $26B above the President’s request.

- Increases military end-strength for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps by a total of 19,000 personnel. 

- Authorizes an increase of $26B to fund readiness enhancements for aviation, ground and naval forces, missile defense, and munitions stockpiles.       

- Authorizes the full 2.4% pay increase, and extends special pay and retention bonuses for service members.

- Permanently preserves Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance payments for surviving military spouses.

- Provides the resources necessary for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria to combat ISIS and other terrorist organizations.

- Increases funding for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) to support our European allies and deter Russia.

- Reaffirms the U.S. deterrence commitments to Japan and South Korea and continues to invest in ballistic missile defense capabilities to defend U.S. territories and our allies from potential threats from North Korea.

- Continues to reform acquisition at the Pentagon by increasing efficiencies through enhanced competition and oversight.