WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (H.R. 5515). 

“For far too long we’ve had too many military planes that cannot fly, too many ships that cannot sail, too many soldiers who cannot deploy, while too many threats gather around the world. Under President Trump, we’ve returned to making our military a priority and we’re continuing our work to rebuild and restore readiness. The National Defense Authorization Act will modernize our military equipment, restore our military readiness, and provide a much-deserved pay raise for our troops, like those who serve at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. As we look to Memorial Day, a reminder of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, this is a way that we can continue to support and demonstrate our gratitude to those who are serving and to those who have served.”

NOTE: The FY19 NDAA contains a 2.6% pay raise for our troops, like those at Fairchild Air Force Base, the largest pay raise in 9 years.