Key Missouri Priorities Included in Senate's Annual Defense Bill Shaped by McCaskill

Press Release

Sweeping legislation approved by a key Senate panel--and shaped by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill--includes critical resources to support thousands of Missouri jobs through continued construction of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis and a three-year authorization for F/A-18 Super Hornets for the U.S. Navy, as well as new provisions to create a prescription drug monitoring program for the military, address juvenile-on-juvenile sexual assault on military bases, and provide greater oversight of federal contracts.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the nation's defense funding and priorities, was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which McCaskill is a senior member.

"Missouri plays a critical role in our nation's defense and security, which is why I fight tooth and nail to ensure we continue that tradition and support hardworking Missourians who serve our country, support their families, and build the equipment our military relies on," said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran. "In what can feel like a desert of gridlock in Congress, this defense bill is a real oasis of bipartisanship on critical issues that help this country better support our military and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively and efficiently."

The annual defense bill includes the following McCaskill priorities:

72 F/A-18 Super Hornets for the U.S. Navy through Fiscal Year 2021.

Full funding for Phase II of National Geospatial Intelligence Agency West construction, which McCaskill has been a strong advocate for keeping in St. Louis.

Expanding first responder training at Fort Leonard Wood, by directing the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to develop a plan to expand individual training opportunities for state and local first responders at Fort Leonard Wood's chemical, biological, and radiological weapons training school--of which McCaskill has been a strong supporter.

Creation of a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for the military, that would allow the Department of Defense to share information with existing state programs, as well as county and municipal networks where a statewide program is not present like in Missouri.

Improved reporting of juvenile-on-juvenile assault on military installations, by standardizing the Defense Department's response to reports of juvenile-on-juvenile assault and ensuring all allegations involving juveniles are reviewed by trained professionals to make sure that criminal investigations are taking place if they're needed, and proper mental health or social services are made available if appropriate.

Greater oversight of government contracts, by increasing transparency of contracts at the Department of Defense, and requiring the Secretary of Defense to develop a scorecard to track the timeliness, completeness, and accuracy of performance evaluations, while also requiring greater performance information on subcontractors.

As she has since joining the Senate, McCaskill requested that the committee open the normally closed-door committee markup to the public.

Source