Murkowski Backs Bill to Bolster National Security

Statement

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that authorizes the appropriation of $750 billion in national defense funding for FY2020. The bill includes two amendments from Senator Murkowski to address suicide prevention in the military and to evaluate Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. In addition to the priorities supported by Senator Murkowski, the bill also provides a pay raise for troops, invests in modernizing military tools and infrastructure, equips our military with the resources they need to defend our nation, and improves the Department of Defense's management practices. The bill passed by a vote of 86-8.

"I've been pressing the Defense Department to articulate its strategy for defending U.S. interests in the Arctic for years. We are beginning to see the Pentagon take our Arctic role seriously, but we need to know what it is that we are up against with both Russia and China increasing their interest and activity in the region. My amendment to this defense bill requires that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the State Department and the Intelligence Community, provide Congress with a timely assessment of Russian and Chinese activities with military implications in the Arctic. This will enable policy makers to better understand whether the Defense Department is moving quickly enough to address longstanding deficiencies in our ability to protect and defend our interests in the Arctic region. I also made it a priority to address the disproportionately high rates of suicide among servicemembers and their families. It's our duty to provide for the security of our nation and to do all we can to support those who protect it," said Senator Murkowski. "I thank Senator Sullivan for all his efforts on the Senate Armed Services Committee. On behalf of Alaska and the nation, we remain committed to ensuring our national security remains a top priority."

Suicide Prevention:

Senator Murkowski included an amendment requiring the U.S. Comptroller General to submit a report describing current programs and activities in place for the prevention of suicide among members of the military, whether the programs are appropriately resourced, and opportunities to improve the programs.

Russian and Chinese Activity in the Arctic:

America is entering a new era of strategic engagement in the Arctic. Because Russia and China continue to pursue opportunities in the region, Senator Murkowski included a provision in the bill requiring the Secretary of Defense to submit reports, within 180 days, on the military activities of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China in the Arctic region. The report is to include the extent to which their activities affect the interests of the United States and our allies in the region.

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