The House wrapped up three days of floor debate on its fiscal 2018 defense authorization bill (H.R. 2810) July 14 and approved the legislation by a bipartisan 344-81 vote.

Voting “aye” on the $696-billion measure were 227 Republicans and 117 Democrats. Voting “noe” were eight Republicans and 73 Democrats. Eight representatives did not vote.

In a statement after the vote, Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the bill would take “the necessary steps to begin to rebuild and reform our military, including billions in additional funds to begin to close the dangerous readiness gaps our troops are facing.”

Thornberry highlighted several other provisions, including missile defense funding added to the Trump administration’s budget request “at a time when the threats continue to increase,” and “major reforms in acquisition and services contracting.”

At a press conference, Thornberry expressed confidence that lawmakers will soon reach a deal to prevent the return of across-the-board federal budget cuts in FY 2018. Such cuts, mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011, would slash the bill’s funding.

“There is widespread agreement that we live in a dangerous world and we have damaged our military too much and that we have to make the necessary repairs,” Thornberry told reporters.

Acknowledging high-level Pentagon opposition to a provision that would create a space corps in the Air Force Department, Thornberry revealed that he plans to hold “a number of committee events in the coming weeks” to look at space issues. At least some of those events are expected to be closed-door briefings.

“We will continue to work on this issue,” Thornberry said. “We will absolutely continue to talk with each other [and] visit with the Senate, the Pentagon and the administration. But we will also keep pushing to help ensure we’re prepared for the future.”

Thornberry said the bill will head to a conference with the Senate “when they’re ready.” The Senate version has been approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee and awaits consideration by the full Senate.