NDAA REFLECTS REPUBLICAN PRIORITIES

On 2024-12-11, Representative Daniel Meuser (R-PA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "NDAA REFLECTS REPUBLICAN PRIORITIES" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered taxes, the environment.

NDAA REFLECTS REPUBLICAN PRIORITIES

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024)] [House] [Pages H6810-H6811] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] NDAA REFLECTS REPUBLICAN PRIORITIES The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser) for 5 minutes. Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, today I--I think we will--rise in strong support for the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, known as the NDAA. The world, Mr. Speaker, is an increasingly dangerous place, and the threats we are facing continue to evolve. Over the past 4 years, we have witnessed Ukraine under siege, Taiwan under constant pressure from China, and on that fateful day, October 7, Israel was attacked-- devastated, massacred, brutalized--by Iran and its proxies, and they responded. We have also witnessed the persistent threat of terrorism, Mr. Speaker, in Africa and the drug cartels creating continued danger and death closer to home. These are not just far-off challenges, Mr. Speaker. They directly impact our national security, economic stability around the world, and the safety of the American people. This bill is about making the necessary investments to ensure that the United States remains the most powerful military in the world. It supports our troops and ensures they have the resources they need to carry out their missions safely and effectively. It provides for weapons upgrades, the development of cutting-edge technologies, and revitalization of the defense industrial base, ensuring our readiness to face all adversaries. Too often, we hear stories of military families struggling to make ends meet, and that is simply unacceptable. This bill takes a stand for them, providing better pay and support so that no servicemember ever has to rely upon food stamps to feed their family. Let's address those who oppose this bill because it doesn't include more social engineering or ideological experiments. The United States military is not a social engineering experiment. It [[Page H6811]] is a fighting force designed to protect our Nation and ensure global stability. The American people as well should be confident that with Pete Hegseth, President Trump's pick for Secretary of Defense, at the helm we can trust that the Department of Defense will prioritize ending divisive ideologies and enhancing military readiness. As well, there are some who argue we could cut more from defense spending. This bill represents a modest 1 percent increase over last year's budget, but it is a critical investment in our safety and future. Do we need more efficiency measures? Yes, we DOGE. Next year, with the new administration, we will make our defense spending leaner, sharper, and more effective and always putting America first. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is about prioritizing what truly matters: military readiness, modernization, and the security of the American people rather than a social and ideological agenda. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill and in supporting our troops. 2025 NDAA Delivers Critical Resources Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, supporting our servicemembers and their families is absolutely essential to ensuring our military readiness and ensuring the United States has the greatest fighting force in the world. That is why I and many are urging all our colleagues to support the NDAA, which we will be voting on tonight, which prioritizes the well-being of those who defend our freedom. This bill delivers critical resources: improved housing through investments aimed at upgrading military facilities, better health coverage for servicemembers and their families, expanded accessibility of childcare and enhanced support for military spouses, including professional licensing portability programs. It also authorizes a significant pay raise for servicemembers, with a 14.5 percent increase for junior enlisted personnel and a 4.5 percent for all other ranks. This will provide the recognition and compensation they have earned and deserve. As well, this legislation tackles pressing challenges facing our Nation, strengthens our southern border by allocating funding for advanced surveillance technology and additional personnel, counters rising aggression from China by supporting increased funding for Indo-Pacific defense initiatives, and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Israel by authorizing continued funding for missile defense systems like the Iron Dome. House Republicans are committed to cutting wasteful spending, slashing the so-called military bureaucracy, and standing with those who fight for our country. This NDAA reflects that commitment by ensuring our Armed Forces have the resources they need, whether on the front lines or here at home. By passing this bill, we are making sure our military is prepared to meet today's challenges while safeguarding the freedoms of tomorrow. ____________________