Wilson on Signing of FY24 National Defense Authorization Act
Washington, D.C.– Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 was signed into law.
“This bill represents the commitment of Congress to our service members, their families, and our national security.
“This year’s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. One of the provisions is a 5.2% pay increase for our service members, the largest in over 20 years. As our service members and their families make sacrifices, Congress has the duty to ensure they are taken care of.
“Additionally, I was grateful that this NDAA included provisions that rejected divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas. Our military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution.
“As our adversaries continue to threaten and attack our Armed Forces around the globe, Congress needs to ensure our military is prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow.
“The NDAA authorizes critical funding for South Carolina military bases and the missions at the Savannah River Site. With China sharply expanding their nuclear stocks and capability, the U.S. needs to modernize its own nuclear arsenal and its infrastructure to maintain its nuclear deterrent.
“I was grateful to have my legislation expanding mutually beneficial defense and technology collaboration with Israel included in the NDAA. This gives the opportunity for both countries to collaborate on defense projects in areas of emerging technologies, such as AI. With our adversaries looking to surpass us in technology, the U.S. and its allies must be at the forefront.
“Also included is the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which I led in the House. It prevents foreign officials from demanding bribes of American companies and has been referred to as the most significant legislation targeting foreign corruption in over forty years. This provides a vital tool for protecting Americans and American businesses from foreign corruption.
"As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our military and am committed to continuing to work for our service members and their families. I am thankful this bill was signed into law.
Highlights of the FY24 NDAA
Savannah River Site (SRS)
- Includes funding authorizations for the missions of the Savannah River Site, including for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility and modernization of our nuclear triad.
- Supports funding for the Tritium Finishing Facility and adds a deadline of December 31st, 2036, for the facility to commence operations, which prevents any unnecessary delays.
- Authorizes funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) to support schools, emergency services, and county operations in counties surrounding Savannah River Site.
Caring for our Military Service Members and their Families
- Supports a 5.2% increase in service member basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years to combat inflation.
- Expands Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income service members supporting a family.
Military Readiness
- Increases funding for military exercises ensuring the U.S. military is prepared to fight in any theater.
- Prevents the Biden administration from retiring certain weapons systems that are still useful.
Department of Defense Support for Border Security
- Requires DOD to use or transfer all border wall materials in its possession to southwest border states.
- Fully funds the deployment of the National Guard to the Southern Border to support CBP officers.
Promoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel
- Adds $47 million above the President’s budget request to research and develop advanced technology with Israel, which has benefited the U.S., including at our border.
- Extends the US-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation Program, which could be used at the Southern Border, by two years.
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