Olson Acts To Fully Fund Our Military

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep Pete Olson (TX-22) today acted to provide critical support to strengthen our military by voting for H.R. 695, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. This bill provides funding for critical military operations and readiness programs in order to continue rebuilding our military, and gives our troops a 2.4% pay raise. The bill passed the House by a vote of 250-166 and now heads to the Senate for consideration with a promise from Senate Minority Leader Schumer to have an up or down vote on the bill without any filibuster.

Our military men and women risk their lives every day in defense of our freedom and Congress has a sacred duty to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to get the job done,” Rep. Pete Olson said. “Today’s action gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise and the training needed to support our allies, deter our adversaries and defeat terrorists. After years of decline, we can finally begin to jump start the process of rebuilding our military so that it remains the greatest, most lethal in the world. I’m pleased we passed this bill in the House and urge the Senate to act quickly.”

Background: The FY18 DOD Appropriations bill provides $659.2 billion in full-year funding for the Department of Defense. It provides $241 billion for operations and maintenance to rebuild our military and prepare our troops for combat and peacetime missions. This bill also fully funds a 2.4% pay raise for our service men and women.