The military’s biggest raise in 8 years

The military's biggest raise in 8 years President Donald J. Trump has signed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2018, which approves one of the largest defense spending increases since the Reagan presidency to help rebuild America's Armed Forces. Here is a quick list of what the NDAA does for America's military: Increases rather than shrinks the size of our forces for the first time in 7 years Ensures that our military remains the world's preeminent fighting force, which is vital to the Administration's peace-through-strength strategy Authorizes funding to allow for the continued defeat of ISIS and cover critical missile defense capabilities to confront the threat posed by North Korea Takes concrete steps to rebuild U.S. military readiness Approves a 2.4 percent pay raise for our troops—the largest in 8 years Read more about how the NDAA will strengthen America's military for the year ahead. Today: The closing argument for tax cuts Tax reform is in the midst of a crucial week as members of the House and Senate negotiate final details of a bill to pass and send the President. The White House believes it's important to allow this process to play out, ensuring that Congress arrives at the best possible solution for all Americans. To help support this effort, President Trump will deliver a major speech today, highlighting real middle-class families and what tax relief means for their bottom lines. Among the biggest changes: more tax-free income, a larger child tax credit, and lower rates. Watch the President's speech live at 3 p.m. EST. Bonus: A majority of governors back tax reform, and 21 of them recently sent Congress a letter saying so. Home for the holidays Even as the Administration presses forward with an aggressive policy agenda, it's important during this time of year to step back, give thanks, and appreciate what is most important in life. A few highlights from how the First and Second Families have been celebrating thus far: Second Lady Karen Pence gives a video tour of Christmas decorations at the Vice President's residence First Lady Melania Trump recaps her visit to Children's National Medical Center in Washington last week President Trump says "we are proud to stand with the Jewish people" in a message to mark the beginning of Hanukkah Photo of the Day President Donald J. Trump signs H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year of 2018 | December 12, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) POTUS TODAY Today, President Trump will have lunch with bicamerel tax conferees. Later, the President will participate in the swearing-in of Judge Gregory Katsas to the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. SPECIAL NOTE The Summer 2018 White House Internship Program is now open for applications through January 12. Read more about the program here.