Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  On Tuesday, the United States House of Representatives passed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 295-125. U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) issued the following statement on his decision to support the bill:

“As a Green Beret and combat veteran, I know firsthand the importance of a well-equipped, well-prepared military force. Although this bill isn’t perfect, it still represents Congress’ ability to cut across partisan lines to fulfill one of its primary duties: providing for the common defense,” Waltz said. “Our country still faces enumerable threats from adversaries like Russia and China, whose technology and military capabilities are advancing rapidly. This year’s defense bill will ensure America can face these challenges and any others while safeguarding our national strategic interests at home and abroad – all thanks to the incredible bravery and skill of the men and women of our armed services.”

The 2021 NDAA fully funds President Trump’s budget request, including nearly $741 billion for National Defense Discretionary programs, $131 billion for procurement of advanced weapons systems and nearly $107 billion for Research Development Test and Evaluation.

The legislation also provides troops with a three percent pay raise and makes significant investments in science and technology to maintain a technical edge over China.

The NDAA includes 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

Other measures Waltz supported included:

• Aiding COVID-19 relief by ensuring U.S. Dept. of Defense has diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities and personal protective equipment to protect U.S. Armed Forces
• Cracking down on American technological exports to China aiding in surveillance and human rights abuses of Muslim Uighurs
• Protecting pregnant service women from discrimination in the military
• Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, strengthening U.S. government recovery efforts of American hostages abroad