“Under Republican leadership, America is becoming safer and more prosperous. This year’s NDAA refocuses our military. It focuses on its core mission of defending the homeland and American interests overseas.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today spoke on the Senate Floor in support of the National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Barrasso highlighted how the bill prioritizes Wyoming troops and makes America safer and stronger.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“The Senate will vote today on the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill enacts critical military policy for our nation and our troops. The House passed the NDAA last week with strong bipartisan support. Now, the Senate must act.
“The previous administration failed to keep America safe. It allowed over 10 million illegal immigrants to flood across our border. It was responsible for the deadly, disastrous retreat from Afghanistan. It undermined American power around the world.
“President Trump and Republicans are restoring peace through strength. Under Republican leadership, America is becoming safer and more prosperous. This year’s NDAA refocuses our military. It focuses on its core mission of defending the homeland and American interests overseas. It deters our enemies. It defends our nation.
“In combat, competence matters – not political correctness. The NDAA refocuses our military on lethality and readiness. It rolls back divisive DEI policies. These liberal policies took time, money, and attention away from training, preparation, and combat effectiveness.
“The bill on the Senate Floor today restores policies that are merit-based and mission-focused. Additionally, the NDAA builds on the recruitment surge we’ve seen during the first year of the Trump administration. It gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise. It increases recruiting bonuses. Better pay improves recruiting, retention, and readiness.
“A stronger military makes for a stronger America. This bill prioritizes defending our homeland because threats at home and abroad are increasingly connected. We saw that in the terrorist attack this weekend in Australia. We also see it here at home. A terrorist gunman from Afghanistan attacked our National Guardsmen right here in Washington, D.C. This bill strengthens the tools needed to keep our borders secure.
“At the same time, it invests in next-generation missile defense. This includes the Golden Dome initiative. It expands counter-drone authorities to protect military bases, critical infrastructure, and public spaces.
“In Wyoming, protecting the homeland is what we do every day. Cheyenne, Wyoming, is home to F.E. Warren Air Force Base. F.E. Warren is home to Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. These are critical to America’s nuclear deterrent strategy. The NDAA modernizes communications and electrical infrastructure at F.E. Warren for this critical program. Furthermore, it invests $4.6 billion in the Sentinel missile program. These are the missiles that will replace Minuteman IIIs. Wyoming will be the first to receive these new missiles. As China advances hypersonic missiles, modernizing our nuclear deterrent is essential to keeping America safe.
“The bill we’re voting on today modernizes our military across the board. It will make our warfighters more lethal and intimidating. Investments in shipbuilding and new fighter aircraft will strengthen American dominance in the air and at sea. At the same time, cutting unnecessary spending will make the Pentagon more efficient, effective, and accountable.
“The National Defense Authorization Act restores America’s Arsenal of Democracy. For too long, bureaucratic hurdles slowed production. They stifled innovation. This bill removes those barriers and accelerates the delivery of new technology. During World War II, American industrial strength was decisive to victory. Industrial strength is the foundation of safety, security, and liberty.
“When we innovate, we deter aggression. Weakness invites conflict. Strength deters war. Under this bill, we are sending a clear message. We will defend our nation. We will support our troops. We will out-build and out-innovate our adversaries. We will never apologize for American strength.”
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