Rose Votes for NDAA Passage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – "Funding our nation's military is the most fundamental responsibility of Congress," said U.S. Representative John Rose (TN-6) as he voted for passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020.

For 58 straight years, Congress has executed its Constitutional duties and passed a National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes critical funding and programs for our nation's military. President Trump has indicated he will sign this important legislation.

"I am proud to see bipartisan support for this year's NDAA, which is the first step in the process of getting our troops the critical funding they need," Rep. Rose continued.

The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2020 authorizes $738 billion in defense funding that restores military readiness, provides for our servicemembers, and prepares our country for the threats yet to come. Among its provisions, the NDAA:

• Authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for our servicemen and women;
• Establishes the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of our nation's military;
• Does not prohibit funding for the border wall or add any restrictions to counterdrug programs blocking smugglers and protecting against cartels along our southern border;
• Holds fellow NATO countries accountable for defense spending commitments; and
• Overhauls the Privatized Military Housing Initiatives to address gaps in oversight and accountability.

Notably, this NDAA includes language from H.R. 4367, the "Fight Illicit Finance through Technical Assistance Act of 2019," which was introduced by Rep. Rose in September. Rep. Rose stated, "I am proud to see the text of my legislation included. My bill would direct the U.S. Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support the increased use of the IMF's budget to support anti-money laundering programs and combat the financing of terrorism. I am confident that including this language in Section 7125 of the NDAA will help create a stronger framework through which to secure our nation."

This year's NDAA passed the House by a 377-48 vote, and it now heads to the Senate.

U.S. Representative John Rose represents Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville with his wife, Chelsea, and their son, Guy. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, White, and Wilson counties as well as portions of Cheatham and Van Buren counties.