WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the National Defense Authorization Act:

“In just a few minutes, the Senate will take another important step toward passing sweeping defense legislation that will support our troops and our national security.

“It will help drive defense innovation and research.

“It will authorize pay raises for our servicemembers and modernize retirement benefits.

“It will help prepare our country to deal with the threats of today and challenges of tomorrow — and it will help prepare the force that the next commander-in-chief will lead to do so as well.

“It's a responsible, important bill.

“Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed have worked relentlessly to manage this bill, and I urge all colleagues to join me in voting for cloture this morning.”