Representative John Carter (TX-31) today supported the FY21 Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year’s NDAA includes $740.5 billion for national defense discretionary programs.

“It is Congress’ Constitutional duty to provide for the common defense and the NDAA fulfills that responsibility. While this year’s NDAA isn’t perfect, it does satisfy important needs for the Soldiers in my district at Ft. Hood, including a 3% pay increase. Our service members and their families need, deserve and have earned this raise. 

“In addition, the NDAA focuses on protecting service members on and off the battlefield. The bill provides diagnostic equipment, increased testing capabilities and personal protective equipment necessary to protect our service members amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes increased investments in critical emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and biotechnology to ensure our troops have the most current equipment to fight.

“In an increasingly hostile world, it’s crucial that the men and women in uniform are ready to face any threat to the United States. There are still some improvements to be made to this year’s NDAA that I hope will be addressed in conference, but I’m glad to see this bill head in that direction.”

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