Sioux City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 14, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This package sets defense policy and funds the U.S. Department of Defense annually.

“As China, Russia, and North Korea flex their military capabilities, violate international norms, and threaten the sovereignty of free nations, it is vital that the United States remain the world’s premier military superpower. The National Defense Authorization Act ensures that we can thwart foreign aggression and that our troops have the equipment, resources, and support they need to defend our country and protect our freedoms,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I am also proud that we secured a well-deserved 5.2% pay raise for our service members, stopped the Biden Administration’s attempts to reduce the size of our Navy, prioritized further construction on the border wall, and eliminated liberal priorities to the tune of $40 billion. As a strong advocate for our soldiers and military families, I will continue to support policies that honor our solemn commitment to our troops, kneecap China’s aggression on the world stage, and defend our nation from foreign threats.”

Among many provisions, the FY 2024 NDAA:

• Supports a 5.2% pay raise for American soldiers,
• Extends TRICARE benefits to three years for family members of Guard and Reserve personnel who were killed while on orders for less than 30 days,
• Prohibits adverse action against a service member solely based on their COVID-19 vaccination status,
• Requires a pilot program from the FY 23 NDAA to use the GREET model to measure emissions, which is a major priority for Iowa’s biofuels industry,
• Prohibits funding of energy programs tied to Russia or the Chinese Communist Party,
• Authorizes $2 billion for military family housing construction,
• Requires the Department of Defense to submit a proposal to use or transfer unused materials for construction of the border wall to states along the southern border,
• Funds military exercises with allies in the Pacific to counter China’s growing aggression,
• Establishes a new Special Inspector General for Ukraine Security Assistance to direct and coordinate the oversight and audit of all aid provided to Ukraine by the United States, and
• Requires the Department of Defense to notify Congress of any instance of nuclear cooperation between Russia and China.

You can find a full legislative summary of the FY 2024 NDAA HERE.

Original source can be found here.