Washington, DC - Today, the House of Representatives passed the final version of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included an amendment offered by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) to encourage collaboration on commercial drone development between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DOD).

Davidson applauds addition of Section 1092: Collaboration of FAA and DOD on Unmanned Aircraft Systems amendment.

“I want to thank my colleagues in Congress for approving this amendment," said Rep. Davidson. "The courageous men and women of the 178th are at the forefront of modern warfare and this amendment ensures the readiness capabilities of that force are supported and can be brought to bear whenever necessary. Additionally, this bill ensures the free flow of ideas and research continues between civilian and military government agencies in Ohio,” said Rep. Davidson.

Davidson: The NDAA "gives our troops the tools they need to get the job done."

“As passed, the NDAA makes key investments in critical military capabilities to confront aggression and address threats around the world. Furthermore, the NDAA gives our troops the largest pay raise in eight years, and the tools they need to get the job done," said Rep. Davidson.

The NDAA passed both houses of Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. The House vote was 344-81, while the Senate vote was 89-8. Additionally, the NDAA provides the necessary topline of nearly $700 billion, which is a $26 billion increase above President Trump's budget requests.

Concerning troop size, the NDAA increases the Army, Navy, Air Force, Amy Guard and Reserve, Naval Air Reserve and Air Guard. The NDAA also permanently preserves Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) payments to more than 60,000 military spouses.