Twenty-two Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee signed a letter sent to House Speaker Paul Ryan on Monday asking Congress not to adjourn for the year until lawmakers approve a fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.

The letter points out the 54-year streak in which Congress has passed a defense policy bill, and says this year’s bill is just as important because of provisions it includes on military healthcare reforms, a pay raise for troops, and efforts to restore readiness.