The Department of Defense exists to demonstrate America’s military might and protect our national security — not to promulgate a political agenda.
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – House Republicans have passed the National Defense Authorization Act. While we can never do enough to thank our servicemen and women for protecting freedom and defending democracy, this bill takes a step in the right direction, giving our troops the biggest pay raise in more than 20 years.
It also puts a stop to the left’s politicization of our military. The Department of Defense exists to demonstrate America’s military might and protect our national security — not to promulgate a political agenda.
At a time when America’s adversaries are growing more emboldened under President Biden’s weak leadership, this bill sends a critical message: America remains strong and will not back down in the face of aggression.I was honored to vote for this bill to help defend our nation and restore a military that would make my father’s generation — those who fought in World War II — proud.
This year's NDAA:
- Authorizes a 5.2% pay increase for troops;
- Provides $25 million over the president’s request for the National Guard to work with local law enforcement to disrupt production and trafficking of illicit drugs like fentanyl;
- Includes a Parents’ Bill of Rights to ensure parents of children in DoD schools have the right to meet with teachers and review curriculum;
- Protects and reinstates servicemembers who were discharged due to refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine;
- Blocks the administration from reducing the size of the navy and expands capacity of U.S. nuclear forces;
- Works to track and prevent CCP espionage within the homeland;
- Reaffirms U.S. support of Taiwan and fully funds military exercises with our allies and partners in the Pacific; and
- Encourages and enhances U.S. security cooperation with Israel.
Semiconductors are the technological brains behind everything from toasters to fighter jets, making them an integral part of our daily life and the backbone of America's national security. Last week I introduced the Building Chips in America Act – along with a bipartisan group of my colleagues – to cut red tape and accelerate domestic production of semiconductor chips.
With Communist China ramping up its aggression around Taiwan – which currently produces over 90% of the world’s advanced chips – there’s no time to waste in boosting domestic chip production.
- Click here to read more on my introduction of the Building Chips in America Act.
Congressman Michael McCaul represents Texas' 10th Congressional District, which stretches from Lake Travis outside of Austin to the Brazos Valley and includes: Austin, Bastrop, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Travis, Washington, Waller and Williamson Counties. He currently serves as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and previously – prior to being term-limited as chairman under the House of Representatives Rules – served as the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee during the 113th, 115th and 116th Congresses.
