Outlook for Defense Spending in 2018 with Rep. Womack.
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- Published: Thursday, 05 July 2018 08:44
With Arkansas being home to a significant defense-industry that is continuing to expand on an international basis, many recent questions are focusing not only on the importance and necessity of defense spending within the state, but also consequences from a Congressional level. In talking with Representative Womack regarding defense spending, we shine a light on some of the current benefits that defense industries are or will be experiencing throughout the state, and some of the hurdles coming in the future.
How are current Congressional actions related to defense spending benefiting Arkansas? To begin, the passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 58th straight year ensures first that the Department of Defense (DoD) and all of its components are fully authorized, and second, that Congress is conducting its constitutionally mandated oversight of our national defense.Womack stated, “One of Congress’ most fundamental duties is to ‘provide for the common defense’ of our nation. The bipartisan NDAA focuses on restoring readiness, increasing capability, and reforming the Pentagon to better prepare our country for the threats we face today and the emerging global threats of tomorrow. Congress must continue to support the men and women stationed around the world defending our great nation.”
The necessary increase in defense spending outlined in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 will benefit all entities in the defense industry, including Arkansas servicemen and women, Arkansas military installations, and the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense industry.
Concurrently, there are also efforts developing updates on the current appropriations bill process: defense bill out of committee and awaiting vote on House floor. “Providing for the common defense is a national imperative. Advancing this bill out of committee builds on the significant progress we have made in restoring America’s national defense capability. For the men and women deployed around the globe ready to fight tonight, this bill ensures they are properly manned, trained, and equipped to do our nation’s bidding,” Womack said.
What can be expected in this fiscal year and moving into 2019 for the Aerospace and Defense industry? It’s a question on the minds of all AADA member companies. 
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