July 21, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 128 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H3608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING FISCAL YEAR 2021 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the fiscal year 2021 National Defense 
Authorization Act stands apart from previous years. Our military 
continues countless measures abroad to ensure our security here at 
home. This year, they are also called upon to battle the COVID pandemic 
at home.
  The chairman's bill aligns our national security interests with our 
National Defense Strategy. It enables forward movement on the future of 
disruptive innovation, challenging business as usual.
  Importantly, this bill creates a Pandemic Preparedness and Resilience 
National Security Fund. It directs $1 billion to proactively prepare 
for and respond to future pandemics.
  Additionally, it authorizes an Assistant Secretary to provide 
important guidance and support to undergird our defense industrial base 
to ensure a supply of materials critical to our national security and 
provide extra support to expand the small business industrial base.
  Further, it creates a more inclusive military. This range of talents 
will benefit our national security as much as weapons and ammunition.
  Our obligation as Congress is not to flinch in the face of crisis and 
pandemic. We must provide our military with the means to remain a 
vigilant and ready force able to defend against any threat to American 
values and our way of life.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support for the fiscal year 2021 National 
Defense Authorization Act.

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