Booker Statement on FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

"I strongly support many elements of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, including provisions that honor our selfless service members with a well-deserved pay raise; improve access to housing, health care, and other resources for our troops and their families; and continue to support our allies in Ukraine fighting to preserve and protect their democracy from Vladimir Putin's illegal and unjust war.

At the same time, there is a better way to support our troops and protect our national security than continuing a pattern of annually increasing the Pentagon's budget beyond what the Department of Defense requests and without completing a comprehensive audit to reduce existing levels of financial waste and mismanagement. Congress cannot continue to resist strengthening oversight, increasing transparency, and improving accountability at the Pentagon. In addition, I remain concerned about the disconnect between unchecked military spending and the lack of investments in -- and even proposed cuts to -- diplomacy abroad and programs that help the American people here at home. Our constituents deserve robust investments in our schools, health care, and housing.

Furthermore, it defies common sense that this legislation would limit the Department's ability to promote greater diversity in its ranks, particularly in senior positions in the military, when our enlisted force is increasingly diverse. Diversity is a source of strength at every level of the military.

We must do better in delivering a defense authorization bill that responsibly protects and promotes the United States' interests and values."

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