Lucas Statement on House Passage of NDAA

Statement

Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2023. Lucas supported the legislation.

"Today, the House is continuing its 62-year tradition of passing a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act that ensures our military has the equipment, tools, and training we need to combat the global threats and international challenges that face our nation. Providing the authorities and resources our warfighters need to defend our nation is one of the greatest responsibilities of Congress, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly given the outsized role Oklahoma has in our national defense.

"The National Defense Authorization Act not only focuses on ensuring our Armed Forces are the best equipped and trained in the world, it also modernizes and invests in emerging technologies such as hypersonic weapons and autonomous system- investments that are critical to combat the growing threat of China, Russia, and terrorists across the globe. Furthermore, the bill provides a 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers and expands benefits for military spouses and families. And to counteract the effects of rising inflation, the National Defense Authorization Act includes a 2.4 percent bonus to enlisted members and provides an additional $500 million for housing allowances to offset the cost of rising rents.

"I applaud House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers for his work on helping draft such a critically important bill that benefits the servicemembers who make immense sacrifices to keep our nation safe. I'm proud to support the brave men and women of the United States military- as well as the missions currently being deployed in Oklahoma- and I look forward to Congress continuing its work boosting defense spending and preparing our military for the conflicts of tomorrow."

Notable Provisions Related to Military Personnel, Bases in Oklahoma's Third District

H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2023, includes language that funds the renovations and upgrades to Altus Air Force Base's South Gate, which will provide additional anti-terrorism/force protection.

The bill also authorizes the President's full request for the procurement and maintenance of the KC-46.

Source