Decatur Times

WASHINGTON— On July 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) by a vote of 219-210. Representative Dale W. Strong (AL05), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), was proud to vote in favor of final passage.  

“The United States hosts the most lethal fighting force in the world. The servicemen and women who defend the values we hold dear are the best our nation has to offer. For my first NDAA, I stepped into this process with one goal in mind: fight to bolster national security. We find ourselves at a crucial point in our nation's history, where investments in defense will play a vital role in ensuring the success of our warfighters and survival of the freedoms we value,” said Representative Dale W. Strong. 

The House version of the FY24 NDAA strengthens deterrence against U.S. adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through increasing funding for innovative technologies like AI and high energy lasers. It also requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to mitigate land purchases made by CCP-backed entities near military bases.  

This NDAA provides the largest pay raise in 20 years, a 5.2% increase in basic pay, for service members. It wisely uses taxpayer dollars by funds over $2 billion in top service chief and combatant commander priorities previously ignored by the Biden administration and establishes a “loser pays” pilot program for costs incurred from contracts award protests denied by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). 

The bill also provides millions in additional funding authorizations for research, development, simulation, testing for hypersonics and missile defense systems, directs the U.S. Army to provide a report on additional power source options to bolster installation energy resilience, and establishes a Principal Transition Advisor role for each military service to help facilitate the transition of technologies from industry and academia to warfighters. 

“I want to congratulate my good friend, Representative Mike Rogers, on the passage of his first NDAA as the Armed Services Committee chairman. Alabama and our nation’s warfighters owe him a debt of thanks for his hard work and dedication,” said Representative Strong. 

During his inaugural NDAA markup process, Rep. Strong had record success advocating for common sense and strategic national security programs, as well as provisions that directly benefit North Alabama, Redstone Arsenal, and the state of Alabama as a whole. 

“Throughout the HASC committee markup and floor proceedings, I championed several policy changes, reporting requirements, and budget authorizations that if appropriated, could bring over three hundred and ten million dollars directly to North Alabama and Redstone Arsenal. Rest assured; I am fighting for the Fifth Congressional District,” said Representative Strong. “We fought off two separate attempts to delay the permanent basing decision announcement of U.S. Space Command, secured research and development funding authorizations that benefit small business and universities, have ensured the Department of Defense and the military services will stay on mission, addressed delays within the defense industrial base, and much more. We’re just getting started.” 

The NDAA now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate; once passed, it will be conferenced with the final House version and then sent to President Biden for his signature.

A full list of Representative Strong’s achievements will be announced following the FY24 NDAA being signed into law. 

Original source can be found here.