Columns

Washington, D.C.  – The United States’ position as the leader of the free world is built upon the strength of our military and its capacity to meet any challenge. However, in recent years, we have witnessed our military readiness and capabilities decline to a point of alarm. As it stands, we have too many planes that can’t fly and ships that can’t sail, while global threats abound. The American people have given Republicans the opportunity to lead in Congress, with a promise that we would not only restore, but also improve, the military prowess of the United States. This is a promise we are fulfilling.

This year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) delivers by rebuilding and reforming our Armed Forces, and ensures that when our servicemembers put their lives on the line for our country, they have the tools and resources they need to return home safely to their families. In Georgia, the FY’18 NDAA will provide much needed funding for our state’s installations – including the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon and Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins – so that they may better develop their workforce and increase the lethality of their operations.

For too long, our troops have been tasked with complex operations despite having inconsistent funding, and our soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors have been asked to deploy more frequently and spend less time training or with their families. The FY’18 NDAA authorizes an additional 20,300 servicemembers, which will alleviate stress on our current force.  I am especially proud that this bill gives our men and women in uniform a 2.4% pay raise, the largest pay raise for our troops in eight years.

Now is too important of a time to shirk our responsibilities when it comes to providing for the common defense, and I am incredibly thankful that President Trump signed the FY’18 NDAA into law, and – unlike his predecessor – didn’t play politics with our troops and veto the annual defense bill. Our servicemembers are, bar none, the best in the world, and they deserve every advantage we have at our disposal to complete the critical job they have been given. I am pleased that Congress and the President have come together to enact such an important piece of legislation, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our Nation’s military.

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Featured in the Walton Tribune Saturday, December 16th, 2017.