The House passed an annual defense policy bill on Friday that includes the largest troop pay raise in six years.

Congressman Kevin McCarthy released a statement on the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act:

“Providing for a strong national defense is a top responsibility for Congress. This bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, will increase our military readiness and strength, and gives our troops a much-deserved raise.

“Specifically in our communities, defense laboratories at China Lake will be empowered to make the important decisions needed to keep and advance important naval innovation priorities currently happening in our community. At Edwards, the bill reflects provisions I supported to expand authorities and funding for the laboratories and test ranges that arm our military. The NDAA also allows for the expedited hiring and advanced training of technical specialists, as well as smoothing the administrative process for procuring contracts.

“Finally, we made sure that no more California National Guardsmen who were inadvertently given bonuses when they answered the call of duty after 9/11 are forced to return that money. By placing the burden of resolving these problems completely on the Department of Defense rather than the soldier who innocently relied on recruiters, we are establishing and ensuring a quick and fair process.  We owe them a debt, not the other way around. This bill is a win for our troops, a win for our community, and a win for American national security. It should be signed into law as soon as possible.”