With the end of winter comes appropriations season in Washington D.C. Last week we kicked it off by passing Defense Appropriations.

During the eight years of the Obama Administration, our nation’s military and foreign policy both grew weaker, leaving the United States vulnerable. As the world grew more dangerous, we witnessed horrific attacks on our allies and our homeland.

Thankfully, President Trump has made military readiness and development a priority. In February’s Joint Address to Congress, the President highlighted the need to invest in our armed forces by saying, “our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.”
Like I always say, the number one role of the federal government is to protect this nation and its citizens – and to uphold this duty, we must have the best military in the world. Last week, Congress delivered.

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY2017 Defense Appropriations bill. This crucial piece of legislation will address the readiness gap, encourage the development of current resources and invest in the technology of tomorrow. This bill also gives a pay raise to the men and women who dedicate their lives to protect our freedom and ensure our safety today and in the days to come.

I was proud to support this legislation and look forward to working on additional bills in the 115th Congress that improve our nation’s defense and honor our men and women in uniform.