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President Trump Signs $717 Billion Defense Authorization Bill

The legislation will increase active-duty recruits by more than 15,000 and give troops a pay raise, among other things.
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President Donald Trump signed the 2019 federal defense bill into law Monday.

The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act allots $717 billion for defense efforts. It raises military pay by 2.6 percent and will provide funding to repair or replace old tanks, planes, ships and other equipment.

It'll also provide a personnel boost. Trump said at the signing ceremony, "With this new authorization, we will increase the size and strength of our military by adding thousands of new recruits to active duty."

One focus of the bill was cracking down on China's influence in the U.S., including tightening reviews on Chinese investment in America.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed support for the harsher measures concerning China.