National Defense Authorization Bill
Floor Speech
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Mrs. ERNST. Mr. President, the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act on the floor today is a bipartisan bill that is focused on ensuring our warfighters are prepared to operate across the full spectrum of conflict and to support the objectives laid out in the 2018 national defense strategy.
I am disappointed that we were not able to come together and work through a robust, bipartisan amendment process this year on the floor. We had a great markup, and I am thankful that my colleagues across the aisle were so willing to work together in a bipartisan manner on this piece of legislation.
As the chair of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, I worked hard with my ranking member, Senator Heinrich of New Mexico, to ensure the NDAA invests additional funding in innovative technologies so that we can maintain U.S. technological superiority over near-peer adversaries, particularly in the areas of hypersonics, unmanned systems, directed energy, and artificial intelligence.
The NDAA provides much needed funding to our Special Operations forces, which are playing a key role in combating terrorist networks and countering growing aggression by adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran. It also fully funds SOCOM's request for the Preservation of the Force and Families Initiative and expands key authorities to provide enhanced support to the families of our special operators.
By supporting a total of $716 billion for our Nation's defense, the NDAA provides the flexibility that is needed for our military to make targeted investments for the future. It also addresses issues that deeply impact our servicemembers.
I especially thank Senator Warren, of Massachusetts, for her work with me in addressing research and treatment options for traumatic brain injuries. This is an issue that is especially important to me as a veteran, for I have known and worked with individuals who have experienced blasts and rollovers in military vehicles, and we know the implications that come from those who suffer from traumatic brain injury.
I urge my colleagues to support the NDAA. This bill is absolutely vital to restoring the health of our military and supporting our national security objectives. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is vital we complete our NDAA.
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