Defense Appropriations Act gains Senate approval

Senate lawmakers have passed the 2019 Defense Appropriations Act, which officials said gives American troops a raise while strengthening the military and boosting national security.

Officials said U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee,
spearheaded an effort earlier this month to pass the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which paved the way for the funding initiative.

“This bill supports our military and invests in the men and women who keep us safe,” said Tester, who ensured the delivery of resources to Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard (MANG). “We strengthened the missions at Malmstrom and MANG and bolstered our national security,” Tester said on Aug. 24.

Officials said the Act includes a 2.6 percent pay raise for the Armed Forces; $288 million to replace the UH-1N Huey helicopters at Malmstrom that secure missile sites and transportation; $414 million to accelerate the full replacement of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) infrastructure across Montana; $151 million to upgrade the engines for the Montana Air National Guard’s C-130H planes at Great Falls International Airport; and $312 million to extend the lifespan of Malmstrom’s Minuteman III missiles.

Tester’s amendment also encourages the Department of Defense to bring pay and benefits for the National Guard and Reserve who are training in line with active duty Armed Forces, per officials.