WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives adopted two amendments (Amendment #80 and Amendment #120) offered by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) to the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Amendment #80 will encourage collaboration between the Federal Aviation Authority and the Department of Defense on unmanned aircraft research.

“The Springfield Ohio National Guard Base located in our district plays an important supporting role for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s ongoing drone research activities. My amendment will strengthen coordination between FAA and DOD to help our make our region of Ohio a leader in unmanned aircraft research, development, testing, and manufacturing,” said Davidson.  

Amendment #120 will prohibit funding for military operations in Yemen that are not directly connected with the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. This amendment ensures U.S. forces remain focused on the Congressionally authorized war against al Qaeda, not fighting in the Yemeni civil war.

“We owe it to our troops to give them clear missions and the tools to accomplish them. Involving our military in a war against Houthi forces without Congressional authorization is out of the bounds of our Constitutional framework for making war. It also commits our soldiers and defense resources to ill-defined missions that do not support our national security,” said Davidson.    

The 2018 NDAA provides the funds needed to begin rebuilding our military after years of severe cuts that have reduced troop levels, created a readiness crisis, and delayed development of weapons systems needed to challenge our adversaries. The bill will also give troops their biggest pay raise in eight years. It passed the House by a vote 344-81.