WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), critical legislation that provides for national security priorities, protects and bolsters defense missions in Arkansas as well as ensures America’s servicemembers are supplied the tools, resources and training necessary to defend our homeland and interests. 

“Congress has a constitutional duty to provide for our national defense and the NDAA is instrumental to that,” Boozman said. “At a time of global unrest and increasing competition with China, we must adequately prepare and equip our Armed Forces to maintain our military superiority. I’m pleased this bill does that in addition to expanding crucial support for servicemembers and their families while also protecting the posts and industries in Arkansas that make significant contributions to our national security.”

The bill rescinds the Department of Defense’s (DoD) COVID vaccine mandate, authorizes a 4.6 percent pay raise for U.S. military personnel and makes key investments in our ability to deter threats from Russia, China and beyond. In total, it authorizes $857 billion in spending on America’s defense – $45 billion higher than the amount requested by the Biden administration.

Boozman championed a number of provisions in the legislation, including:

• Directing DoD to examine and brief Congress on attempts by the People’s Republic of China to acquire land located in close proximity to U.S. military installations and any ongoing efforts to counter such occurrences.
• Investing in Arkansas-based defense facilities that train our warfighters and produce vital materials in addition to generating numerous jobs and economic benefits for local communities, while also ensuring defense industries with a Natural State presence can continue fulfilling U.S. combat readiness needs.
• Supporting military families by helping servicemembers’ spouses access adequate programs and assistance to pursue or continue their employment, which improves overall quality of life.
• Advocating for increased utilization of services and products made by blind and other disabled Americans, including wounded warriors, for DoD procurement purposes.