Steve Womack: “I am proud today to rise in support of H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2019. I…”

“I am proud today to rise in support of H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2019. I, too, want to commend Chairwoman Granger, Ranking Member Visclosky, and every member of our subcommittee for their commitment in providing for the common defense. I am honored by the opportunity to work with them to fulfill our duty to our Nation and our warfighters. Earlier this year, Mr. Chairman, this body and our President made a strong commitment to our military by passing necessary funding increases to meet our growing global threats. I am happy to report this bill continues that momentum by rebuilding readiness and giving our troops the equipment they need to combat near-peer threats. Most importantly, this bill supports our warfighters through investments in training, recruitment, and retention, while providing them a much-deserved pay raise. I am particularly pleased that the bill prioritizes funding for the total force. Mr. Chairman, as a 30-year veteran of the National Guard, I know firsthand the important role the National Guard and Reserve forces play in our national defense. They are no longer simply a strategic reserve. They operate side-by-side with members of the Active component every day, and this bill makes sure that they go into the fight with necessary training and equipment. This is a good bill, Mr.…”