Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District got some good news on November 17th, when a bill was passed that gave military members their largest pay raise in 8 years. Along with the significant pay raise, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) also includes reforms for Pentagon spending and increased funding to essential military readiness recovery.

The Congressman also was able to get his amendment into the bill, which aimed at strengthening the military’s cyber capabilities “by requiring the Army to conduct a review of the Army Combat Training Centers and current resident cyber capabilities training.”

In a press release, the congressman had this to say about the passage of the NDAA:

“Over the last eight years, we have seen a dramatic reduction in our defense budget. Rather than taking away resources and cutting funding, this Congress and the Trump administration have prioritized our men and women in uniform. Our soldiers put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, and they deserve nothing but the best we can offer – in pay, in care and in resources. This legislation now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. We are grateful, because it ensures our Armed Forces have the tools they need to successfully carry out their missions and provide for their families.”

The NDAA passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 356 to 70 and passed in the Senate with a verbal vote.