The Breakdown of the Congressional National Defense Authorization Act of 2022

Now more than ever, I am committed to supporting our troops and keeping our country safe and secure. One of the most important bills that Congress passes annually, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), will be voted on by House Members this week. As our military faces unprecedented challenges, and America is experiencing countless national security crises, this bill is crucial in protecting our nation and supporting those who risk their lives to keep us safe.

Each year, Congress authors the NDAA to make changes to the policies of United States defense agencies and provide guidelines for military funding for the next fiscal year. It starts in the House Armed Services Committee, where Members consider, debate, and vote on amendments for inclusion. As a member of this committee, I included five amendments that will help secure the southern border, investigate the impacts of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, and support military personnel and their families. The bill passed out of committee after a bipartisan vote of 57-2.

As a whole, the legislation includes necessary adjustments to the budget for national defense priorities, provisions to hold the Biden administration accountable for its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and guidelines for efforts to defend our nation and allies from conflict with China and Russia.

Compared to last year, this year’s bill increases defense spending by nearly $25 billion to keep pace with inflation, reverses Biden’s senseless cuts to our national security and fully funds combatant commander priorities. Specifically, it authorizes $250 million to conduct counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan by requiring the Department of Defense to create a plan on how to support the evacuation of remaining American citizens, maintain air superiority, and conduct intelligence and surveillance missions.   

The NDAA is also focused on preparing our military for success in countering China by establishing supply chain security and independence, supporting Taiwan, investigating the origins of COVID-19, stopping human rights violations, and countering Chinese malign influence.

It will also further support those who fight to keep our country safe and secure. This year, our men and women in uniform will receive a well-deserved, 2.7 percent pay increase, and the NDAA preserves servicemembers’ free speech by protecting them from punishment for political statements on social media accounts.

This annual legislation is important in protecting and securing our country from external threats. The NDAA improves the defense of our fellow Americans, and especially protects and supports our brave, honorable servicemembers and their loved ones who continuously sacrifice for the greater good of our nation.