Stabenow Statement on Senate Passage of National Defense Authorization Act

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released a statement after voting in favor of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate tonight:

“Today, we are making a strong investment in our men and women in uniform as well as Michigan’s defense industry, which supports over 100,000 jobs and plays an important role in our nation’s security.  The defense bill includes one of my amendments to toughen up our Buy American law.  It also protects over 1,500 jobs for Michigan workers and suppliers who help build the Littoral Combat Ships at Marinette Marine Shipyard, authorizes additional funding for critical ground vehicle research at TARDEC, and provides a well-earned pay raise for our troops.  I strongly support these priorities and will continue leading the effort to protect Michigan’s defense assets and identify new opportunities that will create jobs.”

Stabenow’s Buy American amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act would require the Government Accountability Office to review Buy American training practices so that contracting personnel can better comply with current law.