Gibbs Votes for Defense Bill, Pay Raise for Troops

Statement

After the House passed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07) released the following quote:
"While partisan bickering often dominates Congress and floods the news, every so often, those elected to guide the finances and policy of the federal government can put this bickering aside to pass important bipartisan defense legislation. National defense is and ought to be our top priority. Without a strong American military and national defense, we are vulnerable to foreign threats while leaving the rest of the world exposed to the menace of tyrants and thugs.
"The House-passed NDAA stops the Biden defense budget cuts in their tracks, authorizes a 4.6% pay raise for military personnel, maintains our naval force at an acceptable level, and provides funding for the development of next-generation weapons systems. We also maintained last year's provision that prevents service members who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine from being dishonorably discharged. Finally, the inclusion of the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act helps ensure our Coast Guard can complete their unique mission that can fall somewhere between national defense and homeland security.
"With the very real belligerence of Russia and the rising threat of China, we cannot allow our military readiness to deteriorate. The United States has the greatest fighting force in the world, a primacy we must maintain. I am proud to vote for this NDAA and glad to know that Congress can set aside the partisan games to ensure we are prepared for the threats of the present and future."

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