WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Vice Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).
The FY23 NDAA authorizes funding for the United States Department of Defense for the next fiscal year and serves as the primary vehicle through which defense policy is enacted. The NDAA is historically one of Congress’ most bipartisan bills as it has been passed and signed into law every year for the past six decades. Following his vote to pass the FY23 NDAA Congressman Wittman stated:
“The threats our nation faces today are unprecedented. Surpassing our adversaries in capability is only attainable by making critical investments now — thoroughly funding our armed services and warfighters to meet the requirements of our National Defense Strategy.
“This year’s NDAA includes a bipartisan effort to boost defense topline spending by $45 billion, reversing President Biden’s reckless cuts to our national security. This support will begin to counteract the damaging impacts of record inflation on the U.S. military. Servicemembers will also receive a 4.6% pay raise because of this legislation.
“As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, I countered the Biden Administration’s dangerous ‘divest to invest’ strategy, preventing the retirement of 12 existing ships, and securing the construction of 11 new ships. Additionally, I ensured that the Marine Corps will retain a floor of 31 amphibious ships. Both efforts are essential priorities to adequately address the threat that China presents in the Indo-Pacific.
“Importantly, the FY23 NDAA will rescind the deeply damaging and misguided COVID-19 vaccination mandate on all active and reserve component servicemembers. The mandate has harmed military recruitment--during a period of historic recruiting difficulties--undermined the readiness of the force and set the U.S. military on a path of decline as each service struggled to maintain end-strength. By rescinding this mandate, we will ensure that all able-bodied Americans who wish to serve their country will be able to do so without persecution.
“The Commonwealth of Virginia is a major hub to the defense industry, ranking as the nation’s top recipient of overall defense dollars in 2021. Virginians answer this call of service, aiding our nation’s defense by serving in uniform and out of uniform by helping wherever they can. This year’s NDAA is key to spurring economic growth and jobs throughout the Commonwealth.
“I am proud of the work the House Armed Services Committee has done to craft such an important piece of legislation. I thank my colleagues for their continued service and dedication towards our armed services.”
The NDAA also secures other key priorities that will advance good governance and military readiness, while securing our global interests. The legislation achieves the following:
- Requires the DoD, State, and USAID Inspector Generals to regularly carry out comprehensive reviews and audits of assistance provided to Ukraine.
- Rescinds the COVID-19 vaccination mandate on all active and reserve component servicemembers.
- Ends servicemember separations for failure to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Authorizes over $11 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, ensuring full funding of training and operations, expedited construction of defense infrastructure, and the timely deployment of weapons systems and logistics throughout Indo-Pacific to deter Chinese aggression.
