Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) voted to approve the National Defense Authorization Act on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Thornberry voted in favor of the 2018 NDAA, as it passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Thornberry, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, served as sponsor of the spending bill during its process through House procedures.
Members of the U.S. House voted 356 to 70 in favor of the bill. The bill was supported by a majority of House Republicans and Democrats. Of the 70 votes against the bill, 63 came from Democrats and 7 came from Republican members of the House.
Following the passage of the bill by the House, Thornberry praised the vote in a statement through his office.
"Over the last several years, we have seen an increase in threats and a decrease in funding for our military. This year's NDAA begins to rebuild our military and to ensure we can defend the American people," Thornberry said in the statement. "It also supports our troops. Our servicemembers volunteer to risk their lives to protect us and our freedom. We owe them the best that our country can provide - the best equipment, in the best shape, with the best training."
The $700 billion package is now headed to the U.S. Senate for debate.
