Comstock Votes for National Defense Legislation To Strengthen Military

Statement

Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after she voted for and the House passed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, national defense legislation that rebuilds our military:

"Today I voted for and the House passed the Conference Report to H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act. This is the most significant piece of national defense legislation we pass in Congress every year and I was honored to be appointed to the House Senate Conference Committee to handle this important piece of legislation that funds our military, gives our troops the largest pay raise in 9 years, and innovates our defense mechanisms to respond to a constantly-changing world. Military equipment will be rebuilt and replaced, our Navy will be strengthened at sea, and our nuclear deterrent will be modernized. In this legislation we provide needed support to Israel's missile defense and prohibit military-to-military cooperation with Russia, while also increasing funding to battle Russian cyberattacks that continue to threaten our nation. Our national security is under constant threat and the NDAA is critical to ensuring the safety of our nation.

"This year we passed the NDAA at the earliest in the year since 1977. It fully invests in our military and our support of our allies. Virginia Maritime Industrial Base jobs are protected in the legislation by way of a block aircraft carrier buy that supports the thousands of workers who maintain our aircraft carriers. The USNS Comfort, a hospital ship located in Virginia, is currently maintained, which allows quick response to disasters occurring off our coast. This year's NDAA also increases funding for our cyber defenses and emerging technologies such as quantum sciences and artificial intelligence. And finally, it prohibits the government's recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea."

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