Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an incredible bill to uphold and ensure the national security of this great country. Through the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we are one step closer to fulfilling our promise to the American people: to keep them and this country safe again.

Unfortunately, over recent years, our armed forces have been depleted and currently sit at the lowest levels of troops since World War II. Pilots are not able to get their necessary flight hours logged, and recent reports show that Marine and Air Force pilots have had to go to military museums to find parts to fix their planes because the funding and resources simply have not been available. This is unacceptable – especially when we live in an increasingly dangerous world.

Thankfully, the NDAA is crucial to ensure the United States military has the necessary tools and resources at their disposal. The NDAA will fill those gaps in military readiness so our troops are able to safely and efficiently execute their missions. And this bill will give our service men and women a pay raise that they so greatly deserve.

Lastly, I am proud to have had an amendment – the Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act – added to the NDAA with unanimous support. This provision will allow the individuals who participated in nuclear testing between 1945 and 1962 to finally receive the recognition that is long overdue.

Since taking office, I have been dedicated to ensuring the safety of this nation for you and your family, and with passage of the NDAA, we are one step closer to doing that.