Austin News

On December 13, 2023, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 passed the Senate with the support of U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas. In a statement, Sen. Cornyn emphasized the importance of maintaining strength and deterrence in a dangerous world. He stated, "The NDAA will support our troops, strengthen our military readiness, and implement a raft of reforms to strengthen national security."

The NDAA includes several provisions that were championed by Senator Cornyn. One such provision is the Sensible Classification Act, which increases accountability and oversight of the classification system and limits overclassification. Another provision is the Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles (ARMS) Act, which gives the U.S. Department of Defense enhanced procurement authorities to quickly refill American defense stockpiles after providing aid to an ally or partner attacked by a foreign adversary.

Additionally, the Cranesc of Concern at our Ports (CCP) Act requires the federal government to evaluate threats and vulnerabilities to U.S. ports posed by cranes manufactured in countries of concern, particularly those made by China's Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC). The Airport Infrastructure Resources (AIR) Security Act extends Sen. Cornyn's legislation prohibiting federal airport improvement funds from being used to purchase passenger boarding bridges from companies that threaten national security and have violated intellectual property rights.

The NDAA also includes several Texas-specific provisions. It raises troops' pay by 5.2% and authorizes $230 million for military construction projects in Texas. This includes $74 million for rail yard improvements at Fort Bliss in El Paso to enhance the military's equipment receiving and deployment efficiency. Fort Cavazos will receive $65.5 million for various projects, including planning and design of new barracks, power generation improvement projects, and a new multipurpose training building. The Red River Army Depot will receive $46.6 million for a component rebuild shop, and the Texas Air National Guard in Fort Worth will receive $6.7 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar and upgrades to maintenance facilities.

Other funds allocated for Texas include $20 million for a child development center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, $10.8 million for an F-16 Mission Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio, and $16 million for a logistics warehouse at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. The Pantex Plant in Panhandle, Texas, will receive $35 million for the Analytic Gas Laboratory, and over $5 billion will be allocated to maintain air superiority and support the production rate, modernization, and readiness of the F-35 fleet built at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth.

Furthermore, the NDAA supports job creation in Texas by contracting with and supplying various industries. It also streamlines the process for constructing four international bridges between Texas and Mexico in Brownsville, Laredo, and Eagle Pass by simplifying presidential permits.

The passage of the NDAA is a significant step towards bolstering national security and supporting the brave men and women of the U.S. military. With Senator Cornyn's support and the inclusion of Texas-specific provisions, this legislation ensures that the defense needs of the country are met while also benefiting the state of Texas.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/news/cornyn-supported-defense-bill-passes-senate/