Congresswoman pushes for Arizona-focused measures in final legislation

Today, Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) voted for H.R. 695, the Fiscal Year 2018 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The bill funds the nation’s armed forces and defense operations for the coming year, including a 2.4% pay increase for service-members and other defense personnel.

“Arizonans expect Congress to work together and give our troops the resources they need to protect our state and country,” said Congresswoman Sinema. “This bill gives our troops a raise, supports Arizona jobs, and keeps Arizona families safe. We’ll keep working across the aisle to support Arizona servicemembers.”   

Sinema ensured Arizona priorities were included in this year’s defense appropriations act. Among other priorities, the bill includes:

• Sinema language to procure helicopter fuel systems technology, developed and manufactured by companies like Tempe’s Robertson Fuels, to keep members of the National Guard and Reserve safe during crashes;
• $201,353,000 for National Guard Counter Drug Program;
• 65 new Apache helicopters;
• $282 million for cancer research;
• $9.5 billion for F-35 fighter jets;
• $125 million for traumatic brain injury and psychological health research;
• $109 million for A-10 replacement wing program; and
• $277 million for sexual assault prevention and response.