NDAA is Good For America
This week, the House voted on the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund our military and defense related items in Fiscal Year 2023. This bill has been passed every year for over 60 years, and I’m glad to see that streak continue. This NDAA is focused on increasing our military readiness and empowering a robust national defense by ensuring our service men and women have the tools they need to properly protect our nation. While Russia, China, and other bad actors continue their campaigns to undermine democracy and world security, it is vital that the United States stands capable and prepared. We must remain competitive by ensuring our forces and their families are taken care of, on and off the battlefield.
The bill delivers a slew of Republican wins, including freeing our military from any COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Approximately 5,700 members of the military have been separated from service due to the vaccine mandate. The U.S. Army had only approved 55 religious exemptions for active-duty soldiers, one exemption for a National Guard soldier, and one for an Army reserve soldier. While I am glad Republicans were able to negotiate the cancellation of this mandate, I call on the Pentagon to reinstate the servicemembers who lost their jobs due to this mandate.
I have heard from many constituents who are understandably concerned with blank checks sent to Ukraine, without any accountability of how those funds are used. All Americans want to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s evil crusade, but they desire to ensure their tax dollars are being used for that purpose and no others. That is why I am proud to see this bill require the DOD, State Department, and USAID Inspector Generals to regularly review and audit U.S. assistance provided to Ukraine.
This bill also substantially invests in military modernization and shipbuilding to deter and compete with China and reverses suggested cuts to our missile defense programs by President Joe Biden. The bill counteracts the damaging impacts of inflation on our military and delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers.
What’s more, the NDAA continues strong investments in defense programs in Camden, which is vital for the economy of the city and for the 4th Congressional District. I am glad to support an NDAA that is good for Arkansas and defends America.