Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to enact the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 into law. The bipartisan, bicameral National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes funding for our nation’s armed services and retirees as well as a number of Oklahoma’s military installations.

“The enactment of the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act into law is the 60th consecutive time Congress has passed and ensured the National Defense Authorization Act has become law. Our nation’s defense and those who serve within its ranks are well-supported by this critical piece of legislation,” said Congressman Lucas. “While Congress shares President Trump’s concerns regarding Section 230, a provision which deserves its fair share of congressional scrutiny, Congress must not miss the opportunity to pass such a strong bill that provides for our Armed Service members, supports military families, and includes meaningful measures that counters aggression shown by Russia and China.”

“I would also like to express my appreciation for Senator Inhofe’s work in negotiating this agreement, which stretches over 1200 pages and took months to put together. His role as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee was critical in crafting legislation that reflects our nation’s values and makes our country safer. There is no doubt that Oklahoma is fortunate to have his strong support while leading the Armed Services Committee, and I am proud to support his efforts to make sure our military has the resources it needs to protect our country.”

Notable Provisions Related to Military Personnel, Bases in Oklahoma’s Third District

The Conference Report includes language which protects the KC-135 tanker until technical issues are fixed during the production of the KC-46, which benefits Altus Air Force base’s fleet of KC 135’s. The measure includes over $86 million dollars to support KC-46 Tanker Squadrons based both domestically and abroad, and Altus is programmed to receive eight aircraft. 

The Conference Report also fully funds the research and development of the Air Force’s Next generation of advanced pilot training aircraft, the T-7 Red Hawk. The T-7 will replace the aging T-38 Talon training aircraft at Vance Air Force Base.

The Conference Report includes a 3% pay raise for all service members.

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