WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 25, 2019) – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act:
“It’s appropriate, that this very week, the Senate is considering the National Defense Authorization Act. The current situation with Iran is a stark reminder of our urgent responsibility to ensure our military remains equipped and ready to deter or threats and defeat potential challenges to our security. When we pass the NDAA this week, the Senate will extend a 58-year tradition of authorizing the resources that U.S. forces need to stay on the cutting edge. And I hope we’ll do so with wide, bipartisan support.
“This year’s NDAA directs $750 billion to fund the priorities of the Department of Defense, from the Navy’s fleet strength to missile defense capabilities. It increases procurement for critical weapons systems, doubles down on research and development of next-generation technologies, and makes new investments in training and support services for servicemembers and their families. In short, this is legislation that sends a clear signal to our men and women in uniform, and to the rest of the world. It says: The United States takes today’s challenges seriously. We take our commitments seriously. And we take our defense seriously.
“So especially in light of current events, I was incredulous to hear the Democratic Leader call yesterday to postpone moving forward with the NDAA. Apparently some of our Democratic friends need to go hit the presidential campaign trail. They’re too busy to stay in the Senate and authorize the resources that our all-volunteer armed forces rely on. Postpone legislation on our national defense to accommodate partisan politics? In the middle of this ongoing crisis overseas? Come on. I’m sorry our Democratic friends feel compelled to skip out so they can compete for the favor of ‘the Resistance.’ The rest of us, the Republican majority — we’ll be here, working and voting to make America stronger and safer.”
