Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12), the Chairwoman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee joined this morning’s House Republican Leadership press conference to highlight how our military is stronger and Better Off Now. Thanks to Republican policies, we are rebuilding our military and ensuring that our troops have the resources they need to be effective. For the first time in a decade, the military won’t be relying on stopgap funding, as we vote on defense appropriations and plan to send it to President Trump’s desk.
Chair Granger’s Remarks:
"If you see a great big smile on my face, it’s because we’re going to pass a defense appropriations bill today. It’s so important. There’s really nothing more important than securing our nation and making sure our people in the military have the training and the equipment they need.
"I’ve worked with Secretary Mattis now for two years on rebuilding our military, and this bill that we’re going to pass today shows major investments in our air superiority, our shipbuilding, our ground forces. The things they need, and the things they deserve.
"This is the largest pay raise in nine years for our military. It’s not just the money — it’s to say ‘we’re with you and support you.’ The most important thing is it’s the first time in ten years we get defense bill funding on time.
"Working with Secretary Mattis, he said the money’s important, but giving it to us on time so we have time to plan and to build is really the most important thing. That’s what we’re going to do.
"It’s a large bill. We listened to 6,600 suggestions from members of Congress that said this is what we need. We were able to fit that in in most cases, but it all adds up to a great pat on the back and money for our military."