Press Releases

Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after voting for the conference report to accompany H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (NDAA):
 
“We have the greatest military in the world, not simply because we have the best aircraft, ships, weapons, and equipment, but because we have men and women dedicated to preserving freedom and willing to sacrifice daily for this cause. When we ask these brave men and women to go into harm’s way, we owe it to them to provide the most up-to-date and advanced weapons to do their jobs. 

“By passing the NDAA today, not only are we modernizing our weapons systems, we are giving our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines a well-deserved and greatly needed pay raise. I am extremely proud of our military, and I cast this vote for them, and the tremendous service they provide our country.”

Background

• For more than half a century, the National Defense Authorization Act has been fundamental to Congress’ constitutional obligation to “provide for the common defense.”
• H.R.2810 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 continues this obligation to our service members. 
• Our nation’s military has been severely underfunded, due to years of budget cuts that have reduced our military budget by nearly a quarter.
• FY-18’s NDAA continues its reform of the Department of Defense.
• This legislation provides the men and women serving in our military around the world and at home much-needed resources to be successful. 
• Establishes a 2.4% pay raise for our troops, which they are entitled to by law, and protects that annual raise from being cut by this or future administrations.
• Prohibits the closing of several veteran medical treatment facilities outside of the U.S.
• Supports and strengthens current efforts to eliminate the Islamic state from Iraq and Syria.
• Re-establishes our military’s readiness and global proficiency.
• Provides for missile defense, to protect our nation from foreign nuclear threats. 
• Modernizes and builds our naval and air forces, to respond to new and emerging threats, like N. Korea and Iran.
• Reforms the DOD procurement system and implements an audit of the DOD. 
• Preserves special survivor indemnity payments to surviving military spouses.
• Prevents the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. or certain countries, and prohibits the building or modification of facilities in the United States for housing Guantanamo detainees.

More information HERE.