Rep. Kustoff Votes to Fully Fund the Military and Support West Tennessee Farmers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today released the following statement after voting for the two-year budget agreement, which fully funds the military, supports cotton farmers in West Tennessee, increases funding to combat the opioid crisis and extends the Children's Health Insurance Program:

"Last year, more service men and women died in training accidents than in combat because of failing equipment and unsatisfactory preparation. Right now, unresolved maintenance issues have grounded more than half of the military's aircraft, and our ships and submarines remain in ports because they are unable to sail.

"With this budget agreement, we are ending the Obama-era cycle of short-term spending bills that have left our armed forces without the most basic resources they need to protect Americans.

"In addition, the Eighth District is the largest agriculture-producing region in the state of Tennessee. This bill would provide critical support for our cotton farmers in West Tennessee.

"I insist that Congress reform its dysfunctional budget process, but as our armed forces face evolving threats, this return to certainty and stable funding is an important step for a stronger and safer country."