WASHINGTON, DC - The conferees for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 will meet tomorrow to begin the conference process. Known as the “pass the gavel” meeting, the event is the first meeting of NDAA conferees, who work together to resolve differences between the defense authorization bills passed separately by the House and the Senate. Each year, the chairmanship of the NDAA conference committee alternates between the two chambers. This year, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) will pass the gavel to the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC).
 
The working portion of the “pass the gavel” meeting is closed to the press. However, the Committee leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will host a brief, joint media availability prior to the meeting.
 
The NDAA authorizes funding to equip, supply, and train our troops and support military families and has been passed by Congress for 57 straight years. Committee leaders say they hope to continue the bipartisan tradition of passing a strong defense bill that addresses the needs of our nation and our servicemembers.
 
WHO:  Rep. Smith (D-WA), Sen. Reed (D-RI), Rep. Thornberry (R-TX), Sen. Inhofe (R-OK),
WHAT:  Media availability ahead of NDAA Conference Committee Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, July 11, 2018 - 2:20 PM
WHERE:  SD-G50 Foyer

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