WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House and Senate conferees for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 will meet tomorrow to begin the conference process. Known as the “pass the gavel” meeting, the event is the first official meeting of NDAA conferees, who will work together to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the defense authorization bill.

Each year, the chairmanship of the NDAA conference committee alternates between the two chambers. This year, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) will pass the gavel to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).

The working portion of the “pass the gavel” meeting is closed to the press. However, the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees will host a brief, joint media availability prior to the meeting.

The NDAA authorizes the U.S. military and other critical national defense priorities, and ensures our troops have what they need to defend our nation. Congress has passed the NDAA for 58 straight years.

WHO:            Rep. Smith (D-WA), Rep. Thornberry (R-TX), Sen. Inhofe (R-OK), Sen. Reed (D-RI),
 
WHAT:          Media Availability ahead of NDAA Conference Committee Meeting
 
WHEN:          Thursday, September 19, 2019 – 9:50 AM
 
WHERE:        SD-G50 Foyer
                     Dirksen Senate Office Building

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