Shelby Supports Defense Authorization Bill

Statement

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense, today released the following statement regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). Following passage in the House of Representatives last week, the authorizing legislation will now move to the President's desk for his signature.

"After months of delay by Senate Democrats, I am pleased we have finally passed a defense authorization bill. But the promises in this bill are meaningless without enactment of a defense appropriations bill for FY22. It is time for Democrats to get serious and accept our offer to get the appropriations process back on track: return to the Shelby/Leahy framework -- drop poison pills, restore legacy riders, and adopt equal increases for defense and non-defense spending. That is the only path to get the Pentagon the resources it needs to protect the nation. Given the global threats that face us, there is no time to waste. We must show our adversaries that we remain the most powerful force in the world and that we are committed to the task at hand. I stand ready to work toward that goal."

The FY22 NDAA Conference Report was agreed to by a vote of 89-10. The legislation unlocks a 2.7 percent pay raise for our Armed Forces, includes strong bipartisan support for our nuclear deterrent, and provides new authorities to accelerate the military's acquisition and adoption of advanced capabilities.

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