NewsLocal News

Actions

Trump administration claims big win on spending bill, includes Space Force and military pay raise

Posted at 8:23 PM, Dec 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-21 09:59:45-05

It's still unclear when and if the Senate will get the articles of impeachment passed by Democrats in the House.

In an exclusive interview with Special Advisor to the President, Tony Sayegh, tells TODAY'S TMJ4's Charles Benson me the president's team is ready for a Senate trial.

"We are ready for whatever scenario, said Sayegh. "If they ask for witnesses, we are ready. If the want to do something a bit more abbreviated, we are ready."

NBC's Chuck Todd talks to TODAY'S TMJ4's Charles Benson

Meanwhile, the Trump administration claiming a big win on a massive defense spending bill that won bipartisan support.

President Trump has signed the $738 billion National Defense Authorization Act.

Sayegh tells TODAY'S TMJ4 it creates a first-ever Space Force and a 3.1% pay raise for troops.

"What president Trump has done, particularly when you think about our military has been turning back a tide of unfortunately leaders in both parties underfunding and undersupporting and underresourcing our military the president doesn't believe that's the way you balance the budget in this country," Sayegh said.

Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin voted for the defense bill saying it could bring more Navy Ship building to Wisconsin and add another $130 million for Oshkosh Defense's Tactical Wheeled Vehicles.

"It makes sure that federal Small Shipyard grants support American workers and businesses," said Baldwin, "and authorizes funding for a number of projects important to Wisconsin's military personnel and our Made in Wisconsin economy."