James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the James N. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023.

As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, there are several provisions I am excited about. The bill directs the establishment of a national hypersonic initiative and requires a strategy to use unconventional capabilities to defeat hypersonic threats.

The bill also fully funds nuclear triad modernization, restores funding for the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile, and prohibits retirement of the B-83 gravity bomb.

It funds two additional Patriot batteries in the Guam defense system, and it advances planning for an East Coast missile defense site.

The NDAA also requires a public strategy for the protection of satellites and directs the establishment of resilient and responsive space capabilities. Additionally, it replenishes American stocks of munitions that have been provided to Ukraine and have begun to be depleted.

Finally, I am very supportive of the provision to rescind the COVID- 19 vaccine mandate and end separations, protecting the rights of our servicemembers.

I conclude with one final public thank you to my good friend and colleague, Jim Cooper, for his service and steadfast partnership.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source