Senate passes $716 billion defense bill named for McCain

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The bill will fund early warning planes stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. | File photo

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The U.S. Senate recently passed legislation named in honor of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) that supports $716 billion in funding for national defense.

In an 85-10 vote, the Senate passed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions to fund training and equipment for Arizona's service members.

“This legislation continues our reform agenda and helps better position the Department of Defense and the joint force to implement the National Defense Strategy by continuing to restore readiness, rebuild capacity, and modernize capabilities," McCain said in a statement. 

Among the provisions in the NDAA that specifically support Arizona are $184 million to keep the A-10s flying at Davis-Monthan Air Force space in Tucson; fully funding the EC-130H Compass Call electronic attack; and early warning planes also stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

The NDAA also fully funds 24 F/A-18/F Super Hornets and 72 F/A-18 Super Hornets as well as larger weapons systems which would employ 31 suppliers from Arizona's East Valley. In addition, the NDAA provides funding that will support several other military product manufacturers located in Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson, according to a statement from McCain's office. 

“I am particularly proud that the NDAA once again strengthens and enhances Arizona’s outsized role in securing and defending the nation," McCain said in a statement. 

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