Senate approves $716B defense bill named after Sen. John McCain
Jun 18, 2018, 5:55 PM | Updated: Jun 21, 2018, 1:54 pm
PHOENIX — The U.S. Senate passed a defense bill named after U.S. Sen. John McCain on Monday.
The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act was approved with a bipartisan vote of 85-10.
The legislation would put $716 billion in funding for national defense for the upcoming fiscal year.
It also included provisions to give $184 million to keep the A-10s at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, would authorize a 2.6 percent pay raise for service members and provide $52 million in funding for construction projects at two Air Force bases and one National Guard camp in Arizona.
“I am particularly proud that the NDAA once again strengthens and enhances Arizona’s outsized role in securing and defending the nation,” McCain said in a statement.
“It is my great honor and privilege to represent the people of Arizona, especially the brave men and women who answer our nation’s call to serve. This legislation would give Arizona’s service members the support, training, and equipment they need to defend our freedom at home and abroad.”
The Arizona senator also reflected on his time in the Senate, calling it “one of the great honors of my life.
“In my time as a member and now chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have found high purpose in the service of a cause greater than self — the cause of the women and men in uniform who defend America and all she stands for.”
Other leaders in the defense industry from across Arizona also praised the bill’s passage.
Sally Harrison, president of the Mesa Industry and Defense Council, said in a statement that the bill will “allow for the East Valley and all of Arizona to remain an asset for our nation’s military.”
Amber Smith, president of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance said in a statement that the bill will ensure that “Arizona will once again lead the way in preparing our nation’s military.”
The bill will now go to the U.S. House of Representatives for conference negotiations.
