WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) issued a statement regarding the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
“This bill prioritizes our national security by enhancing our military strength and defense readiness,” said Rep. Duarte. “In the light of fentanyl and cartel crime spilling through the southern border and into cities in our Valley, this bill provides the additional resources to protect our communities."
Some of the provisions in this bill that impact Valley families include:
Securing the border with an interagency strategy to target and disrupt threats to our national security from fentanyl trafficking, and full funding for the deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border
Countering threats to our national security from state sponsors of terrorism and other adversaries such as Afghanistan and the Taliban, Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia
Boosting servicemembers’ basic pay by 5.2%, the largest pay raise in 20 years
Protecting current servicemembers and providing a path to service for the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for failing to take the COVID vaccine
Authorizing the DOD to reduce out-of-pocket childcare expenses for military families
Expanding mental health counseling services for servicemembers
Demanding accountability from the Biden Administration by increasing congressional oversight over Department of Defense (DOD) Programs by requiring DOD agencies to pass an audit or risk losing 1.5% of their funding, and cracking down on contractor waste
Cutting inefficient defense programs and obsolete weapons systems
“This NDAA also demonstrates we can increase our military capabilities while also making fiscally sensible decisions,” said Rep. Duarte. “With over 50% of our budget directed towards Defense, congressional oversight becomes critical to ensure American taxpayer dollars are not being wasted. I’m proud to have helped save the American taxpayer $37 billion through this bill."
