Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) released the following statement on passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2018:
“I am pleased to support today’s legislation authorizing critical funding for our nation’s Armed Forces, including U.S. military bases and installations here in Ventura County and around the world.
“It is an honor to represent Naval Base Ventura County and its more than 19,000 active duty and civilian personnel who work hard each day to safeguard our country’s security. This bill authorizes funding for Naval Base Ventura County’s operations, ensures that our service members and their families receive the pay and benefits they have earned and deserve, and provides a well-warranted pay raise for active duty military personnel.
“This legislation also continues Congressional support for the MQ-4C Triton—a next-generation unmanned aircraft—that will call Point Mugu its west-coast home. The Triton will not only provide improved maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, but will also be capable of aiding humanitarian and disaster relief activities across the globe. This bill also authorizes additional procurement of the E-2D Hawkeye, which will expand radar surveillance for a wider range of our naval fleet and better protect personnel and ships around the world. Finally, the bill includes language that rejects President Trump’s call for a new round of a Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC).
“I will continue to fight to protect Naval Base Ventura County and work to ensure our base and our entire Armed Forces have the resources needed as this bill continues to move forward.”
Earlier this year, Congresswoman Brownley outlined her priorities for the FY2018 defense authorization bill in a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Issues: 115th Congress, Defense