McCaskill: Bipartisan compromise results in passage of annual defense bill

(From Sen. Claire McCaskill)

I've got good news: the annual defense bill just passed the Senate by a vote of 85 to 10!

Now, it's headed to negotiations with the House, which I'm hopeful will be successful. But what would that mean for Missouri?

It would mean critical resources that will support thousands of jobs for Missourians.

It would mean SEVENTY TWO more Super Hornets for the Navy, and new provisions to create aprescription drug monitoring program for the military.

It would mean resources to address juvenile-on-juvenile sexual assault on military bases, and greater oversight of federal contracts.

It would mean a pay raise for our troops.

And it would mean better training for first responders working with biological, chemical, and radiological weapons.

I'm excited about what this bill would bring to Missouri, and I'm excited our service members will have the resources they need to defend the United States - both at home and abroad.

But here's my biggest takeaway: this key defense bill passing the Senate is one of the best examples we've got of bipartisan compromise.

And in this era of hyperpartisanship, I'm reassured that we can still work together and get stuff done for our country - and support our troops. I'm confident that the House of Representatives will take note.

Missouri plays a critical role in our nation's defense and security. That's why I fight tooth and nail to ensure we continue that tradition and support hardworking Missourians who serve our country, support their families, and build the equipment our military relies on.

In what can feel like a desert of gridlock here in Congress, this defense bill is a wonderful example of what happens when folks from both parties come together and work hard for our constituents - and I'm hopeful we can take that spirit and continue to work together to

Get.
Things.
Done.

I won't stop fighting for what's right,