WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds bipartisan House passage of the conference report for the 2018 National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA), which provides nearly $700 billion to strengthen our U.S. Armed Forces, confront aggression around the world and secure the largest pay raise for military troops in eight years. 

"As we face the threat of terrorism and brutal extremists, both at home and overseas, we must rebuild and modernize our military equipment and naval fleet to shore up our national defense," said Rogers, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. "This bill also provides an overdue 2.4% raise for our troops and preserves benefits for their families." 

The legislation increases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, as well as the Air Guard. It also implements new oversight and transparency of Pentagon purchases. 

The legislation has passed through both chambers of Congress and will soon head to the President's desk for his signature into law.