Conference Report on H.R. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, war is on our doorstep. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Iran's proxy conflict with Israel, North Korea's long-range ballistic missile development, and China's belligerence in the South China Sea, an axis of evil is rising again.

These nations seek to challenge the security of the world that has provided our Nation's prosperity since World War II. We are answering the call with this year's NDAA. We drafted this bill to address the growing national security threats while taking care of our servicemembers.

The bill increases the top line of defense to keep pace with our national security challenges.

It provides a 5.2 percent servicemember pay increase, the largest increase in 20 years. This bill provides a path for COVID vaccine servicemembers to be reinstated.

The bill curbs a reckless administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion appetite that detracts from warfighting.

The bill provides needed force structure focus by retaining critical aircraft and ships, preparing us to deter conflict before 2030.

Madam Speaker, this is the right bill at the right time. We need it urgently to deter catastrophic conflict.

Madam Speaker, I recognize Ranking Member Norcross. He is a great teammate. I thank the chairman and urge all Members to support this.

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