Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-AL03) and Gary Palmer (R-AL06) both released statements announcing the passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“The National Defense Authorization Act has been a critical part of our national security for over 60 years,” said Rogers. “The NDAA provides our warfighters with the resources and authorities they need to provide for the defense of our nation. This legislation is vital as our nation is faced with unprecedented threats from our adversaries.”
“It is only because of the selflessness of the brave men and women who service in our armed forces that our nation remains free – the FY24 NDAA includes strong provisions that support our servicemembers and their families,” Rogers continued. “
“One of Congress’ most important responsibilities is prioritizing funding for our national defense, especially with China as an ever-growing threat,” said Rep. Palmer. “The world’s most powerful fighting force should be singularly focused on keeping Americans safe. Under the current administration, our military’s needs have been neglected. This year’s NDAA reorients our military to a goal of winning conflicts by providing the resources needed to deter aggression and, if it comes to it, fight and win. In order to do so, this legislation provides funding for much needed facility upgrades and additions in strategic locations and addresses key needs in weapon development and procurement. Additionally, service members are getting a well-deserved and long overdue pay increase. These are all necessary to deter aggression from China and other adversarial nations. Thanks to Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) for overseeing the creation of this bill and fighting to strengthen our military.”
Rogers expressed concern about countering threats from China.
‘The threat we face from China is the most pressing national security threat we’ve faced in decades,” Rep. Rogers said. “The FY24 NDAA is laser-focused on countering China. The FY24 NDAA protects our homeland from threats by investing in a stronger missile defense and modernizing our nuclear deterrent. The legislation also boosts innovation and revitalizes the industrial base to ensure they can deliver the systems we need to prevail in any conflict.”
“The FY24 NDAA also recognizes the critical role Alabama plays in our national defense and strengthens that role for years to come,” Rogers said.
“This legislation is not just a win for our military, but also for Alabamians. Space Command’s move to Alabama is long overdue and is the best option for the long-term success of the newest military branch,” said Palmer. “To ensure the administration stops playing politics with our national security, section 2866 prohibits funds for being used to build a headquarters for Space Command and cuts the travel budget for the Secretary of the Air Force in half until he submits a report to the congressional defense committees justifying the selection of a permanent location for the headquarters. It’s time to bring Space Command home to Huntsville.”
“Our adversaries will only be deterred by strength,” said Rogers. “The FY24 NDAA sends a stern message to our adversaries by bolstering our nation’s defense.”
Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the nation’s military.
While the NDAA passed out of committee with broad bipartisan support, amendments placed on the bill by Republicans in the House of Representatives cost the NDAA support from Democrats on the floor of the House. The NDAA now goes to the Democratic-controlled Senate, which likely will strip off many of the GOP-led amendments forcing the bill to go to a conference committee.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
