Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Simpson today applauded the passage of H.R. 5515, the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.  Simpson supported the legislation which fulfills the constitutional responsibility of Congress to provide for the common defense by funding the Department of Defense. 

“The annual NDAA bill is one of the most important votes I take each year, and FY 2019 is no different,” said Simpson. “The United States continues to face evolving threats, and H.R. 5515 demonstrates Congress’ commitment to improve readiness and rebuild the military by increasing topline funding to support our troops. I am especially pleased that the bill recognizes the continued importance of the A-10 fleet.”

The FY2019 NDAA includes $163.7 million in the base budget for A-10 modifications, an increase of $65 million for the A-10 wing replacement program, and contains language preventing the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which currently operates at Gowen Field in Boise. Additionally, it prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing A-10 squadrons until results from comparative testing and evaluation between the capabilities of the F-35 and A-10 are submitted to Congress.

The bill also provides for a pay raise of 2.6% for our service members, the largest in nine years.

H.R. 5515 passed in the House with a bipartisan vote of 351-66.