{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-leads-bicameral-pass-the-gavel-meeting-as-lawmakers-hammer-out-final-details-of-national-defense-bill", "Reed Leads Bicameral \u2018Pass the Gavel\u2019 Meeting as Lawmakers Hammer Out Final Details of National Defense Bill", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "RI", "Jack Reed", "R000122", "www.reed.senate.gov", "jackreed", "https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today delivered remarks at the annual \u201cpass the gavel\u201d meeting, which is an opportunity for members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to meet and work together to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nChairman Reed was joined by SASC Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS), as well as House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and senior members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees for a joint, bicameral meeting of the NDAA conference committee, which negotiates the annual defense bill.\n\nEach year, the chairmanship of the NDAA conference committee alternates between the two chambers. This year, SASC Chairman Reed \u2018passed the gavel\u2019 to HASC Chairman Rogers, who chaired the conference meeting.\n\nBoth chambers have approved bills authorizing about $886 billion in total defense funding for fiscal year 2024. However, the Senate and House bills have several key differences, which resulted in the U.S. Senate previously approving a strong, bipartisan NDAA on a vote of 86-11 while the House bill contains many partisan, controversial riders that resulted in a narrow 219-210 vote by the Republican-controlled House in July.\n\nReed said that significant progress has been made over the last several weeks on hammering out a bipartisan, bicameral defense bill and expressed hope that the members of the conference committee could resolve remaining differences and enact a bipartisan NDAA for the 63rd year in a row.\n\nReed said he hoped the conference committee could conclude its work this week and the NDAA could be readied for floor consideration by both chambers next week.\n\nDuring today\u2019s meeting, Senator Reed stated:\n\n\u201cThe United States faces a dangerous set of national security challenges. China has emerged as our primary competitor, possessing both the intent and the capability to mount a sustained challenge to our interests around the world.\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine and Iran and North Korea\u2019s provocations continue to push the boundaries of military brinksmanship. Further, war in the Middle East requires our continued focus, both militarily and diplomatically.\n\n\u201cThe world is growing more dangerous by the day, and our national security is on the line.\n\n\u201cThe bottom line is this: Congress has a Constitutional duty to provide for the common defense.\n\n\u201cWe are responsible for ensuring that our servicemembers and defense civilians have the resources, training, equipment, and capabilities they need to keep our nation safe.\n\n\u201cThe fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act will do just that. We are creating a strong, bipartisan NDAA that addresses the long-term challenges posed by China, Russia, and other adversaries \u2013 a priority of both parties.\n\n\u201cWe must stay laser-focused on preparing our troops to deter, and if necessary, fight and win any conflict.\n\n\u201cI look forward to hearing everyone\u2019s thoughts on how we best approach the challenges ahead.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:33:57Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-leads-bicameral-pass-the-gavel-meeting-as-lawmakers-hammer-out-final-details-of-national-defense-bill"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5863650478422642, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}