The United States Senate has passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 with a strong bipartisan vote of 87-13. This legislation has been praised by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed and Ranking Member Roger Wicker for its critical progress in addressing the threats faced by the country.
Chairman Jack Reed expressed his satisfaction with the Senate's passage of the defense bill, stating, "I am pleased that the Senate has come together to once again pass a strong, bipartisan defense bill. This is a dangerous moment in the world, and the NDAA makes critical progress toward meeting the threats we face." He further highlighted the importance of strengthening military posture and alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's expanding ambitions. The bill also provides support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia and enhances the alliance with Israel. Reed emphasized the significance of the bill in reinvigorating the industrial base and providing cutting-edge platforms and technologies to ensure the safety of Americans. He concluded by stating, "Most importantly, this NDAA takes care of our servicemembers and their families, providing the largest pay raise in decades and improving housing, education, and childcare access."
Ranking Member Roger Wicker also commended the bill, acknowledging the growing threats faced by the United States. He stated, "Enemies of freedom are growing more dangerous and capable by the day. Our bill should signal to China, Russia, and others that we will not accept a world where America does not have the best fighting force." Wicker emphasized the importance of investing in the country's industrial base and approving the monumental investments Congress intends to make in servicemembers, warships, submarines, aircraft, and technology.
The 63rd annual NDAA provides a total of $883.7 billion in fiscal year 2024 funding for national defense. This includes $841.4 billion for the Department of Defense (DOD), $32.4 billion for national security programs within the Department of Energy (DOE), and $438.0 million in defense-related activities. The bill encompasses various highlights such as a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and the DOD civilian workforce, increased investments in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative to deter China, and full investment in the European Deterrence Initiative and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to confront Russia and support Ukraine.
Furthermore, the NDAA supports the security partnership among Australia, United Kingdom, and the United States, known as AUKUS. It also authorizes critical investments in battle force ships, submarines, aircraft, combat vehicles, long-range artillery, and other equipment to maintain the country's combat advantage. The bill ensures access to quality housing for servicemembers and directs improvements to enlisted housing. It also authorizes increased funding for military services' recruiting and advertising activities, strengthens the national supply chain and defense industrial base, modernizes military technology and capabilities, provides increased funding for military construction, advances missile defense programs and systems, and strengthens the Department of Defense's cybersecurity strategy and capabilities.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 not only addresses defense matters but also includes non-defense authorizations from other committees. The full text of the bill can be found on the official website, along with a summary and the joint explanatory statement of the conference.
The passage of this legislation demonstrates the Senate's commitment to strengthening national defense and providing the necessary resources to protect the country's interests.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/reed-wicker-praise-senate-passage-of-the-fy-2024-national-defense-authorization-act
