Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) issued the following statement in support of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes several of his priorities, including protecting American colleges and universities from Chinese espionage as well as greater vetting of foreign nationals at U.S. military bases:

“Even during the most trying times in our country’s history, Congress must continue to provide for the common defense – and the passage of this year’s defense bill is a strong example of bipartisanship at work. I’m glad we agreed on many issues in this markup – and I was proud to see several of my amendments and priorities included to address some of the greatest threats the United States faces in the 21^st century, including China and terrorism.”

The committee included Waltz’s language to:

• Require disclosure of foreign funding for colleges and universities receiving federal research awards
• Identify foreign talent recruitment programs posing a risk to national security
• Enhance vetting of foreign nationals training at U.S. military bases
• Improve housing standards for military members and their families
• Ensure careful review of national security and strategic risks before any premature troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
• Promote research and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder through a collaborative partnership with Israel
• Continue research, development and testing of U.S. Space Force’s Rocket Systems Launch Program
• Ensure consideration for security risks of a host country’s 5G and 6G networks before assigning high-tech weapons systems on those foreign bases
• Preserve United States Special Operations Command Armed Overwatch program
• Allow Department of Defense emergency and protection workers stationed on military bases access to commissaries and exchanges
• Promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs

“This bill is a critical tool to provide our military with every resource necessary to face the challenges ahead,” Waltz said. “Even during times of trial, our work can never stop for them. I’m glad to see the progress made in this year’s defense bill and hope it is one which makes our warriors and our country proud.”