Representative John Carter (TX-31) released the following statement after supporting the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

 

"In a world where our adversaries are becoming increasingly bold, the United States military needs to focus on deterrence efforts and readiness. This year's NDAA strikes a good balance between supporting our service members' quality of life, increasing readiness, and being a good steward of Americans' hard-earned money.

 

"The bill authorizes a 5.2% pay raise for our troops, the largest in 20 years. This increase is necessary to improve the quality of life for our soldiers, airmen, Marines, and sailors and their families. It also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay a monthly bonus to junior enlisted service members to combat Biden's inflation.

 

"I'm especially glad to see a focus on Pacific deterrence efforts. With China's increased aggression towards the United States, our resources in this region must be ready to meet the challenges we may face in the future.

 

"Additionally, it realigns America's military to focus on its mission; protecting the homeland. It's time to stop the Biden administration's left-wing priorities like drag show recruiting, Green New Deal initiatives, and DEI programming. America's military is not a place for woke experimentation, and this bill ends those practices.

 

"Finally, it focuses on providing increased oversight to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse while providing crucial resources to America's Armed Forces. If a program has not met its developmental milestones, it should not be rewarded with more money. Similarly, audits are necessary to review the aid that the United States provided to Ukraine. Congress must never forget that every dime spent is provided by the hard work of America's people and businesses. It is our responsibility to be a good steward of that money. Republicans are committed to rooting out wasteful spending and I believe this bill does a good job of it. I'm proud to support it.