Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has successfully advanced several key national security initiatives in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Cruz emphasized the significance of these provisions for both Texas and national security.

"The FY25 NDAA includes many significant provisions for Texas and our national security," said Sen. Cruz. Among his priorities are the COMMAND Act, which mandates constitutional training for newly commissioned officers, and the UNFURL Act, allowing servicemembers to participate in flag ceremonies at sporting events.

The legislation also facilitates a land transfer from Fort Bliss to El Paso's Water Public Service Board for flood control improvements. It further directs information sharing between Military Service Academies and Senior Military Colleges like Texas A&M University.

Additional measures focus on family protection by prohibiting TRICARE from providing puberty blockers or sterilization treatments to minors. The bill reallocates diversity funding towards counter-narcotics efforts and provides a salary increase for service members while excluding a provision requiring women to register for the draft.

"I am proud of the accomplishments within this bill," stated Sen. Cruz, reaffirming his commitment to military readiness and accountability.

Key legislative provisions include:

- The UNFURL Act amends flag code participation rules.

- The COMMAND Act requires constitutional training.

- An additional $25 million is authorized for Joint Task Force North.

- Land conveyance from Fort Bliss enhances flood control.

- Updates on public schools on military installations are mandated.

- Funding is secured for motor pools at Fort Cavazos.

- Information sharing with senior military colleges is directed.

- Reporting on xylazine in narcotics reports is required under the STOP TRANQ Act.

Senator Cruz also addressed maritime industry transitions, deepwater port licensing processes, categorical exclusions for port projects, and extended commercial spaceflight regulation moratoriums.

Co-sponsored provisions aim to expand JROTC programs and clarify medical liability within military healthcare systems.

Texas-specific highlights include pay increases for servicemembers, expanded educational opportunities through JROTC programs, improved childcare access, halted funding of gender dysphoria treatments via TRICARE, prohibition of CRT promotion, DEI hiring freeze, and extensive funds authorized for military construction across various bases in Texas.