WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today voted for the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Wicker authored many provisions of the bill to enhance American national security and support Mississippi priorities. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law soon.

“This year’s national defense bill fulfills our promise to reverse cuts to military spending, and it ensures our armed forces are able to keep our country safe,” Wicker said. “We are continuing to push forward toward a 355-ship Navy and making reforms to prevent deadly ship collisions. The bill will also support Mississippi’s contributions to our military, and promote the next generation of leaders by expanding Junior ROTC programs.”

Among other provisions, the National Defense Authorization Act will:

• Continue the push to build the 355-ship Navy as required by Wicker’s “SHIPS Act” by authorizing $24.1 billion for shipbuilding, an increase of $2.2 billion over the President’s budget request;
• Approve 10 provisions of the Wicker-McCain “Surface Warfare Enhancement Act” to improve training, raise standards, and reduce stress on the overworked operational fleet, in addition to more flexibility for the Navy to retain high-performing officers;
• Help equalize benefits received by Active Duty and Reserve Components by including provisions of Wicker’s “National Guard and Reserve Benefits Parity Act”;
• Enact Wicker’s “JROTC Act” to expand the number of Junior ROTC units in rural and underserved areas; and
• Formally authorize the Navy Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School located at Stennis Space Center in Hancock County.