12.15.21

Bipartisan Defense Legislation Will Bolster Kentucky and the Country

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the National Defense Authorization Act:

“Today, the Senate will pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act by a big, bipartisan margin.

“I’ve talked for weeks about the importance of this legislation given the global threats and international challenges that face our nation — from China to Russia to the fight against terrorists in the Middle East.

“But I will also be proud to vote for this bill because of the enormous impact it will have on my home state.

“The proud servicemembers based in Kentucky play an outsized role in our national defense.

“From deploying across the world, to fighting COVID-19 here at home, they do amazing work to keep America safe. In the past week, they have stepped up to provide critical support as Kentucky deals with the aftermath of devastating tornadoes.

“Our Commonwealth’s heroes and their families deserve our full support and I am proud that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act delivers for them.

“Nearly $1 billion for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program that supports the chemical munitions destruction mission at the Blue Grass Army Depot. Robust funding to deter Russia in Europe, the mission of Fort Knox’s Fifth Corps Headquarters.

“Continued investments in research and modernization that will guarantee our soldiers, including those at Fort Campbell, are prepared to counter emerging threats like China.

“We’ve also built on our previous efforts to lift up Kentucky’s military families. The bill provides additional funding for modern, high-quality child care facilities, including $27 million for a new 

child care development center at Fort Knox. It authorizes an across-the-board 2.7% pay raise for our troops.

“This bill is critically important to the servicemembers who make immense sacrifices to keep our nation safe. I am proud to support it and help cement the Commonwealth’s role as America’s most military-friendly state.”

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Related Issues: China, NDAA, America's Military, Russia