Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the primary vehicle for authorizing defense spending for Fiscal Year 2014. Included in the compromise version of the bill was Thune’s amendment (S.Amdt. 2093) that put Congress on record in support for the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber.
“The next generation bomber is an important part of a 21st century strategy to protect our interests worldwide, both as a deterrent and as a military asset,” said Thune. “My amendment not only put Congress on record in support of the next generation bomber, but it also highlights the importance of upgrading our current bomber fleet, including the B-1B Bomber based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in order to maintain combat effectiveness in the face of continued advancements in the anti-access capabilities of foreign powers.”
Thune’s amendment did not receive a vote during consideration of the Senate’s version of the NDAA due to the failure of the Democrat majority to allow an open amendment process. However, Thune’s amendment was included in the compromise version of the NDAA, which passed the House on December 12, 2013. The bill will now be sent to the president for his signature.