Henrico Times

Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) delivered a passionate speech on the House Floor in support of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Wittman, who serves as the vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, highlighted the urgent need for this bill in the face of growing national security threats.

With the recent events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Iran's proxy conflict with Israel, North Korea's ballistic missile development, and China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, Congressman Wittman emphasized that "war is on our doorstep" and an "axis of evil is rising again." He stressed the importance of addressing these challenges and protecting the world order that has brought prosperity to the United States since World War II.

The proposed FY24 NDAA aims to confront these threats while also taking care of the servicemembers who defend the nation. Congressman Wittman outlined several key provisions of the bill, stating, "This bill increases the defense topline to pace with our national security challenges." He also highlighted that it includes "a 5.2% service member pay increase, the largest increase in 20 years" and "a path for COVID vaccine servicemembers to be reinstated."

In addition, Congressman Wittman expressed concerns about what he called a "reckless administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion appetite." He argued that this focus detracts from the primary goal of warfighting and acknowledged the bill's efforts to curb these initiatives.

Furthermore, the congressman commended Ranking Member Norcross for his support and collaboration, emphasizing their shared value for the welfare of servicemembers.

In conclusion, Congressman Wittman urged fellow members of the House to support the FY24 NDAA, stating, "My friends, this is the right bill at the right time. We need it urgently to deter catastrophic conflict." He expressed his gratitude to the Chairman for yielding and yielded the rest of his time.

The FY24 NDAA, with its provisions to address national security threats, support servicemembers, and focus on warfighting capabilities, is poised to make a significant impact on the defense landscape. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its supporters, including Congressman Wittman, are eager to see it become law and ensure the nation's readiness in the face of an increasingly complex global security environment.

Click this link to access more information: https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5456