North Austin News

WASHINGTON – On July 14, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — released the following statement after voting for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which passed the House 219-210.

“We can never do enough to thank our servicemen and women for protecting freedom and defending democracy, but this year’s NDAA takes a step in the right direction — giving our troops the biggest pay raise in more than 20 years,” said Rep. McCaul. “It also supports our ally Israel, counters the CCP’s nefarious activities, and puts a stop to the left’s politicization of our military. At a time when America’s adversaries are growing more emboldened under President Biden’s weak leadership, this bill sends a clear message that our nation remains strong and will not back down in the face of aggression.”

Rep. McCaul supports many provisions within the FY24 NDAA, which:

• Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay increase for troops;
• Requires the DoD to report on its support provided to DHS at the border and provides $25 million over the president’s request for the National Guard to work with local law enforcement to disrupt production and trafficking of illicit drugs like fentanyl;
• Includes a Parents’ Bill of Rights to ensure parents of children in DoD schools have the right to meet with teachers and review curriculum;
• Protects and reinstates servicemembers who were discharged due to refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine;
• Blocks the administration from reducing the size of the navy and expands capacity of U.S. nuclear forces;
• Works to track and prevent CCP espionage within the homeland;
• Reaffirms U.S. support of Taiwan and fully funds military exercises with our allies and partners in the Pacific; and
• Encourages and enhances U.S. security cooperation with Israel.