House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) has announced that Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) will serve on the House-Senate Conference Committee tasked with reconciling the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA.)
The Conference Committee is made up of lawmakers with a deep commitment to and knowledge of the needs of US defense efforts. Conferees will work together to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. As Utah’s sole representation on an Armed Services Committee and a senior member of this year’s Conference Committee, Rep. Bishop issued the following statement regarding his NDAA priorities:
“This year’s funding levels are a vast improvement over recent years, and will help as we address serious readiness shortfalls that plagued the military under the Obama Administration. We must support our armed forces as they stand ready to defend against the various global threats facing America.
“Language contained in the House bill also means Utah and Hill Air Force Base will continue in its critical role as a player in our national defense. Full funding for the F-35 program, and various construction projects at Hill secures the Base as the home of 5th generation fighters for a long time to come.
“The funding increases in the House legislation translate directly to enhanced operations and greater maintenance capability at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, and other areas where depot work is carried out.”
BACKGROUND: As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, a number of Rep. Bishop’s priorities were included in the House’s base bill. Those priorities included the construction of a Consolidated Mission Control Center, a Pump House, and a Life Support Facility to support the mission of the F-35 and other aircraft at Utah’s Hill Air Force Base.
