National Defense Authorization Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on an entirely different matter, the Senate continues to consider the National Defense Authorization Act. I understand we are close to a bipartisan structure for amendments, and if our Democratic colleagues will let us, I hope we can move forward today.
All week I have discussed how the 60th consecutive NDAA will help our Nation protect its people, stand with our allies, and keep pace with our competitors. This legislation has global reach, but, as all my colleagues know, the NDAA is also a profoundly local bill for communities in all 50 States.
My home State is proud to support three Army installations and the men and women of the Kentucky Air and Army National Guard. Last fall, I hosted Defense Secretary Mark Esper in Kentucky to speak with the Fort Knox community. He called for a renewed commitment to supporting our all-volunteer force, including military spouses and their families.
The NDAA advances that goal. It will authorize a new elementary school at Fort Knox. This construction, paired with progress toward a new middle school at Fort Campbell, will continue making Kentucky's installations a welcoming home for military families.
This project comes on the heels of Fort Knox's selection for the new V Corps headquarters. This mission brings more than 600 additional soldiers to Kentucky in support of U.S. operations over in Europe. They will join Fort Knox's already impressive list of significant commands, including the Army's Recruiting, Cadet, and Human Resources Command. The V Corps will find a premier installation made even better by this NDAA.
Our bill also authorizes the construction of a new headquarters for the Kentucky National Guard. The facility will consolidate the Guard's operation to a central location.
Just recently, our citizen soldiers and airmen have stepped up to combat COVID-19. I am glad this legislation will deliver for them.
At the Blue Grass Army Depot, the NDAA will advance the disposal of legacy chemical weapons. Families in Madison County have lived for generations with these deadly agents practically in their backyards. For years, I have fought alongside them to support safe and responsible demilitarization.
In just the first year of chemical destruction activities, the depot has already completed a campaign ahead of schedule. An entire type of munition has been completely deleted from the U.S. stockpile. Our legislation will help us safely consign more of these weapons to the ash heap of history.
Now, I have also spoken this week about the growing boldness of our Nation's adversaries and the evolving threats our servicemembers face. The men and women of Fort Campbell, including the 101st Airborne, are among those our Nation turns to first to handle serious challenges. Their recent deployments to Europe, Afghanistan, and to support the COVID-19 response in New York and New Jersey show their importance to our country.
Pursuant to the national defense strategy, this NDAA will encourage new capabilities so elite fighting forces like the 101st are equipped for success under any circumstances.
The Senate is grateful for the courageous service of our Armed Forces. The bipartisan legislation before us honors their sacrifices and authorizes the resources to carry out their missions. Its impact will not be felt just by our adversaries overseas but by our servicemembers and communities right here at home.
I would like to once again thank Chairman Inhofe, Ranking Member Reed, and our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for their serious and thoughtful work.
Let's get this bill moving toward completion.
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