House passes $717 billion defense authorization bill for 2019

The House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed the annual defense policy bill that sets priorities for the next fiscal year, and directs how $717 billion should be spent to fulfill President Trump’s pledge to rebuild the U.S. military, which has seen readiness decline after years of congressionally imposed budget cuts.

The fiscal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act includes funds to add troops to all the military services, replace worn-out equipment, and accelerate the purchase of new weapons. The vote passed 351-66.