The margin was slimmer than you might have imagined, but Congress has authorized funding to keep the military operating. Houston-area Congressman Rep. Michael McCaul was a yes. Here is his press release from Friday:
Today, 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.
photo: Getty Images