Trump signs FY18 defense authorization bill into law

Military Times: WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed the annual defense policy bill into law Tuesday, officially establishing the 2018 military pay raise at 2.4 percent and setting the stage for increased Pentagon spending in coming months.

“This bill demonstrates our unwavering commitment to men and women in uniform,” Trump said during a White House signing ceremony, while flanked by military officials. “They are the greatest fighting force in the world, and we’re making it ever better than that.”

The nearly $700 billion authorization bill calls for a military personnel end-strength increase of more than 20,000 service members and significant purchases of new aircraft, ground combat vehicles and ships.

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