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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes his legislation – the Nuclear Fuel Security Act – to bolster U.S. domestic nuclear energy: 

“Strengthening our national security is essential and multifaceted. On one hand, we have a duty to support our men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces so they can carry out their mission in keeping our nation and people safe. On the other, we must boost domestic energy production to ensure the United States is not reliant on hostile foreign countries to supply our power. 

“With the inclusion of my Nuclear Fuel Security Act in this year’s NDAA – now headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law – our nation is one step closer to expanding safe, clean, and renewable nuclear power, which will help secure U.S. energy independence and reinforce our national security. 

“I’m also pleased this year’s NDAA includes a historic increase in servicemember pay, fully funds law enforcement operations at the southern border, makes investments to deter the Chinese Communist Party, delivers key support for our allies like Israel, provides a path back to service for those discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and restores the focus of our military on lethality rather than ‘woke’ ideology forced upon servicemembers.

“Providing for the safety and security of the American people is the primary responsibility of Congress and the federal government. While we face increased threats from foreign adversaries like Communist China, Russia, and Iran, I’m confident this year’s NDAA provides the necessary support for our Armed Forces to safely and efficiently defend our nation and protect our people.” 

NDAA provisions:

The annual defense legislation sets priorities and policies for the U.S. Armed Services. Provisions in the FY ‘24 NDAA include: 

·         an increase of servicemember pay by 5.2% – the largest increase in 20 years,

·         support for law enforcement operations at the southern border,

·         savings of $37 billion in taxpayer dollars – or 5% of current defense spending levels – without sacrificing national security,

·         increased funding for innovative new technologies needed to deter the Chinese Communist Party on future battlefields, including AI, autonomous systems, cyber, mobile micronuclear reactors, and high energy lasers,

·         increased funding for military information operations assistance to Indo-Pacific allies to counter Chinese influence operations, and 

·         rejecting the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the Navy.

Click here for a full summary of the FY ’24 NDAA provided by the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. 

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