Defense Bill Shaped by McCaskill to Include Key Missouri Priorities Passes U.S. Senate

Statement

Sweeping defense legislation shaped by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and passed by the U.S. Senate includes critical resources to support thousands of Missouri jobs through continued construction of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis and a multiyear authorization to procure 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.

"This legislation ensures our brave servicemembers around the world will have the resources they need to defend our country effectively and efficiently, while providing critical support for our best-in-class military installations across Missouri," said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "This annual defense bill should be a shining example of folks from both parties coming together across the aisle to do the important work necessary to keep our country safe and secure."

The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the nation's defense funding and priorities, was approved by the full U.S. Senate by a vote of 85-10.

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.

McCaskill was a key supporter in shaping the legislation and getting it passed through the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this year.

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