By Brandon Moseley
Late Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022. This version of the NDAA had more Republican support than the previous version passed by the Democrat controlled U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) is the Ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, which is tasked with preparing the NDAA. The NDAA sets U.S. defense priorities.
“I am grateful for the work by my colleagues in the House and the Senate to craft a bipartisan and bicameral NDAA that bolsters our national security and supports our troops,” Rogers said. “This bill will prepare our military to face the ever-growing threat of China by banning them from our American supply chain and modernizing our weapon systems.”
Rogers said the bill also blocks provisions that would restrict 2nd amendment rights of servicemembers and would require young women to register for the draft.
“It also prohibits the DOD from dishonorably discharging servicemembers who choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, requires strong accountability measures for the Biden Administration’s debacle in Afghanistan, and provides a 2.7% pay increase for our brave servicemembers,” Rogers said.
In the bill, Rogers said there are specific funds to help with projects in Alabama.
“I am especially pleased to see funding for the Anniston Army Depot and increased funding for shipbuilding,” Rogers said. “Congress has no greater responsibility than to provide for our defense and to make sure the brave Americans who wear the uniform have the best equipment and training to defend our liberty and freedom. I am proud of the role this bill plays in that vital effort.”
The Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes an authorization for two Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels to be built at Austal USA in Mobile, AL.
“I applaud the passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, and I’m proud to have worked on this legislation which authorizes two more Expeditionary Fast Transport vessels to be built by Austal USA in Mobile, AL,” Congressman Jerry Carl (R-AL01) said. “Additionally, thanks to the leadership of Ranking Member Mike Rogers and my colleagues on the committee, we were able to negotiate a defense budget that meets America’s defense needs, authorizes pay raises for our servicemembers, and ensures our fighting forces have the equipment and technology they need to keep America safe.”
“The Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act is a win for south Alabama and our nation as a whole, so I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law,” Carl said.
For the 61st consecutive year, Congress will enact this essential legislation and fulfill its critical constitutional obligation to provide for the common defense.
The FY22 NDAA provides a pay raise for members of the military and supports a 2.7% increase in military basic pay.
In September, Congressmen Barry Moore (R-AL02), Mo Brooks (R-AL-5), and over 100 other conservative Republicans voted against an earlier version of the NDAA. This bicameral and bipartisan version included significant changes. The bill passed Tuesday with Moore’s support removed troubling red flag provisions that targeted veterans, eliminated the requirement for women to register with the selective service, and ensured that servicemembers who refused a COVID vaccine will not receive a dishonorable discharge. The bill also will include a larger investment in defense, require the Department of Defense to make uniform rules for all vaccines, provide a pay raise for the troops, and take meaningful steps to remove China from our defense supply chain.
“I am thrilled Congressional leaders were able to set aside partisan politics and put forward a true national defense bill that I could proudly support,” said Moore. “As a former Guardsman, I understand the absolute necessity of supporting of our servicemembers, and while imperfect, this bipartisan bill meets that challenge. I thank Ranking Member Rogers, as well as Armed Services Committee members Brooks and Carl, for their countless hours of hard work on this legislation.”
Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL05) is a candidate for U.S. Senate. He was roundly criticized by his U.S. Senate opponents Katie Boyd Britt and Mike Durant for his No vote on the earlier version of the NDAA.
“I took a lot of heat from ill-informed or politically opportunistic naysayers by joining 112 of my House colleagues and voting ‘No’ on the NDAA in September,” said Brooks. “That ‘No’ vote has paid off! As a result of September’s 113 ‘No’ votes, and even more expected ‘No’ votes on final passage if constructive changes were not made, Republican House and Senate NDAA Conferees were empowered to strip the following policy positions from the September version of the NDAA:
required teenage girls to register for the draft
attacked the Second Amendment via Red Flag laws
promoted unionization in the national defense industry
created a George Orwell “1984” style “Office of Extremism” that would likely target conservatives for their legitimately-held political beliefs, and many other onerous provisions.
Brooks said he feels like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi forced the vote and that he wishes there was a better process that would allow for feedback from citizens.
This year’s NDAA authorizes $768 billion in total defense spending.
Brooks said that with America’s geo-political foes, especially China, investing heavily in their military capabilities, it’s imperative that America keep pace. The lesson of World War II is that America’s enemies must never be allowed to mistakenly believe they can overpower America. By maintaining robust defenses, America maintains peace.
The President is expected to sign the 2022 NDAA into law.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
