Smith Statement on Full Committee Passage of FY24 NDAA

Statement

"This year's defense bill contributes to over six decades of this Committee's commitment to investing in the greatest sources of America's national strength: service members and their families, innovation and technology, allies and partners, and our defense industrial base and military readiness. As we continue to face enormous challenges posed by the People's Republic of China (PRC), the acute threat posed by Russia, and the persistent threats posed by North Korea, Iran, and violent extremist organizations, we have sent a clear, bipartisan message to our allies and partners, global competitors, and the American people: democracy still works and Congress is still able to come together in the spirit of bipartisanship and our shared respect for our armed forces and providing for our national security and national defense.

"As the rules-based international order continues to face challenges and threats from around the world, this year's NDAA authorizes crucial investments in America's global alliances and partnerships. The proposal also authorizes $874.2 billion in discretionary spending, equal to the Biden-Harris Administration's request for national defense across the Department of Defense and parts of the Department of Energy and other agencies.

"In the spirit of compromise, I am not supportive of everything in this bill. However, I continue to be grateful for my colleagues from across the aisle who share the same desire to ensure those who serve and their families--the people who are the heart of our national defense--get the resources and respect they need and deserve. That includes provisions to strengthen the DoD civilian workforce, better support military spouses and military families, and a 5.2% pay raise for service members.

"As we prepare to bring the NDAA to the House floor, we will continue to advocate for the priorities and values that make our military stronger and America safer, including ensuring that we have the most diverse, talented pool of individuals to recruit and retain to our Armed Forces. House Armed Services Democrats will also continue to build on the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to invest in the American people and our diversity, enhance U.S. alliances and partnerships, and strengthen our country's global competitiveness, so that Congress can deliver on its obligation to "provide for the common defense.'

"I thank Chairman Rogers for his partnership throughout this process and his many contributions to this bill, and I look forward to our bipartisan collaboration as the NDAA advances to the House floor."

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