Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting for the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2019 (H.R. 6157):

“Over the last decade our military declined in readiness and preparedness due to chronic underfunding, which unnecessarily put the lives of our service men and women in danger. Earlier this year, we stopped that decline by providing the largest increase in defense spending in 15 years for fiscal year 2018 and began the slow process of rebuilding our nation’s military capacity. The Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2019 continues building on the progress we made earlier this year, ensuring our troops have the training, tools, and support they need to meet the national security challenges of the 21^st century. One of the most important responsibilities the Constitution specifically charges the federal government with is providing for our nation’s defense. It is important that we rebuild our armed forces, restore our military readiness, and support our warfighters as they stand on the line to protect our freedoms.”

Background

$674.6 billion in total funding – consistent with NDAA

Rebuilding our Armed Forces

·       Boosts base funding for our military by $17.1 billion above FY18 levels

Restoring Military Readiness

·       Increase funding for military readiness programs by $9.3 billion above FY18 levels

Supporting our Warfighters

·       Boost troop and strength by providing $144 billion for military personnel and pay

·       Fully funds a 2.6% pay raise for our troops – largest in nine years