House passes National Defense Authorization Act; How it would impact WPAFB

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is one step closer to getting additional funding after the passing of the National Defense Authorization Act by the House Tuesday night.

The bill was passed by a vote of 363-70.

The act would authorize nearly $770 billion in Pentagon spending. In addition to the spending, the bill also sets defense policy. The bill includes changes to how sexual assault and harassment are handled and prosecuted within the military.

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Included in the bill is a a 2.7 percent pay increase for military service members and civilian employees with the Department of Defense.

The bill also includes tens of millions of dollars for military construction at WPAFB and other military facilities across Ohio.

The bill includes funding for Miami Valley projects like the $4.7 million for construction to enhance capabilities at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, $24 million for a new child development center at WPAFB and $19 million for the construction of an Army Reserve training center on the base.

Congressman Mike Turner (R-Dayton) told News Center 7′s John Bedell that the funding will continue the dedication to enhance WPAFB’s overall mission.

“There’s a need for the construction of a childcare facility that had been operating off site. Had a number of deficiencies. It’s very important to support the families at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” Turner said.

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Turner said the bill includes provisions for the Air Force research labs and NASIC at WPAFB.

Turner said he worked to get Wright-Patt the money for the new childcare center because he saw the need for it at the base.

“It wasn’t getting the appropriate timeline attention from [Department of Defense] so what we we’re able to advance that timeline so the money could come now. This, by making it happen sooner, obviously it will impact children who are there now and of course in the future,” Turner said.

The bill now moves to the Senate. If passed, it will then go the president.

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