June 19, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 103 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S3808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   National Defense Authorization Act

  Madam President, later today, the Senate will officially turn to this 
year's National Defense Authorization Act. Every year, this legislation 
focuses this Chamber on one of our most fundamental constitutional 
duties--providing for the common defense. Every year, the Senate 
approves authorizing legislation to address the needs of America's men 
and women in uniform.
  Over the past 2 years, our working closely with the Trump 
administration on the NDAA has yielded big results. We have authorized 
major investments in everything from new, cutting-edge systems, to 
improved services for military families, to massive strides toward 
restoring the readiness of our all-volunteer force. Yet, as the 
headlines are reminding us every day, this is no time to let up. In 
fact, it is just the opposite.
  Russia's designs on Eastern Europe and the Middle East have certainly 
not abated nor has Putin's investment in long-range strike 
capabilities, from advanced hypersonic weapons to new missiles to 
stealthy submarines, nor has China's increasingly aggressive Pacific 
strategy nor has Iran's hell-bent commitment to underwriting terrorism 
and proxy conflicts throughout the Middle East.
  So this year's NDAA is built with a heavy emphasis on strengthening 
our partnerships in the most troubled regions around the world. Of 
course, it also ensures that the U.S. military will sustain its place 
as the most-prepared, best-equipped, and most lethal fighting force in 
the world.
  The legislation authorizes tens of billions of dollars for new battle 
force ships and an expansion of the Joint Strike Fighter Program. It 
lays the groundwork for expanding missile defense batteries, and it 
delivers a $1.4 billion increase in funding for cutting-edge research 
and development.
  From bases across America to posts overseas, the NDAA accounts for 
the needs of servicemembers and their families. It also prioritizes 
military construction and addresses problems with military family 
housing. It streamlines the delivery of benefits through the defense 
health program, and it unlocks a 3.1-percent pay raise for uniformed 
personnel.
  Of course, our work on the floor in the coming days is just the last 
chapter. Our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and their 
staffs have been working overtime on this impressive legislation for 
many weeks. So, as we take the next step today, we should thank 
Chairman Inhofe and our colleagues for their leadership thus far.