House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul has expressed his support for the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2024 fiscal year, which recently passed the House with bipartisan support. In a statement, Chairman McCaul emphasized the importance of strengthening the military and providing necessary resources to combat growing threats from adversaries.

McCaul highlighted several provisions included in the NDAA that were championed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC). One such provision focuses on defense cooperation with Australia and the U.K., including the authorization of the sale of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. Chairman McCaul emphasized the significance of the Australia-U.K.-U.S. alliance, known as AUKUS, in countering the aggressive actions of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific region. He stated, "I am pleased the NDAA includes language to authorize the sale of Virginia-class submarines to Australia and to provide them a full nation defense trade exemption that is not hampered by over-regulation, to the Australians and Brits, who are clearly ready and eligible to receive this type of exemption."

Another provision in the NDAA requires congressional notification when senior officials' security clearances are suspended. This provision was introduced in response to the U.S. State Department withholding information about the suspension of President Biden's Special Envoy to Iran, Robert Malley's security clearance. Chairman McCaul expressed the need for transparency and stated, "Given the gravity of this situation, it's critical Congress close any loopholes that would allow the State Department to keep such an important piece of information a secret from Congress."

The NDAA also includes language to assist the family members of U.S. hostages, providing support for them to come to Washington, D.C. to advocate on behalf of their loved ones. Additionally, the State Department will be able to connect these families with mental health, legal, and tax consulting and assistance. Chairman McCaul acknowledged the difficult situation faced by families of wrongfully detained Americans and expressed hope that this provision would provide some comfort to them.

Furthermore, the NDAA includes a provision to create a Special Envoy to the Abraham Accords, which were announced by President Trump in 2020. Chairman McCaul emphasized the importance of continuing the diplomatic efforts that led to the creation of the Accords, particularly in light of the current threats faced by Israel. He stated, "As Israel faces one of the biggest threats since its creation more than 70 years ago, now more than ever, it's time to put our diplomatic might into continuing the kinds of big breakthroughs that created the Accords almost three years ago."

The inclusion of these provisions in the NDAA reflects the commitment of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Michael McCaul, to strengthen national defense, support U.S. allies, and address important issues such as transparency in government and the protection of American hostages. With the bipartisan support garnered in the House, the NDAA is one step closer to becoming law and ensuring that the military remains strong and prepared to face the challenges ahead.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/press-release/mccaul-hfac-provisions-included-in-ndaa/