WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4435, the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (NDAA), which is essential to provide the necessary authorities for training and equipment for America’s military.

“Our servicemen and women at Fairchild Air Force Base and across Eastern Washington put their lives on the line every day to protect us, so it is crucial we guarantee them the proper training and equipment to allow them to do their jobs. The bill passed today enables us to strengthen our national security while continuing to invest in critical programs, like the Air Force’s KC-46A refueling tanker,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

“Additionally, we know that when a service member joins the military, it’s not just a job, it’s a family commitment to our country. As the co-chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, I am pleased that this year’s NDAA included my bipartisan amendment, which evaluates the Military Spouse Employment Program’s progress in helping military spouses find jobs and reduce their underemployment – because from frequent moves to bearing the weight at home while a spouse is deployed, our military spouses deserve our support.”

The bill authorizes $521.3 billion in spending for national defense efforts and operations and $79.4 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations.