Scott Supports Defense Authorization Bill

This afternoon, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, a major step forward toward authorizing $716 billion for our Department of Defense (DoD). The measure passed the Senate with a vote of 85 to 10:  

“For years our military has had to plan its priorities around a predetermined budget, but in this year’s NDAA we were able to closely consider DoD’s priorities, needs, and overall strategy when writing this critical legislation,” said Scott. “This is amazing progress and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure our troops are equipped, trained, and prepared to tackle all current and future challenges. I am also grateful I could advocate for provisions that will directly support many of our soldiers and Marines going through their basic training. Today is a win for the military, and frankly, a significant win for our country and our national defense.”

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Scott was able to support the inclusion of a number of his priorities, which are included below: 

• Base Improvements –  
  • Enhancements to MCAS Beaufort’s electrical grid and build a needed support facility for F-35s.
  • Construction of a recycling and hazardous waste facility at MCAS Beaufort.
  • Significant overhaul and improvement of Trainee barracks at Fort Jackson.
  • Range improvements and modernization initiatives at MCB Parris Island.
  • Resources to support the MQ-9 Reaper mission control element at Shaw AFB.
• Troop Readiness – Requires the Army and the Director/ Operational Test and Evaluation to collaborate with academic experts to determine effective personal equipment to protect against blast injuries in training and combat, including traumatic brain injury.
• Resources to Advance Shipbuilding – Added more than $650 million in resources to support amphibious ship building and procurement, an initiative that will benefit our national security readiness, naval forces, and jobs in the shipbuilding industrial base across South Carolina. 
• Military Pay Raise – 2.6% pay raise for all service members effective January 1, 2019.
• Directs DoD to study faster ways to reimburse South Carolina when it calls up the National Guard to respond to natural disasters.
• Directs the Air Force to report on needed security and access controls to JB Charleston.
• Acknowledges the important work done by the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training Center.
• Directs additional investment in science and technology for advances needed to counter threats from China and Russia.