I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Just before the holidays, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House by a vote of 310-118. Shortly thereafter, President Biden signed this legislation into law on December 22.
Importantly, this measure included the largest-ever pay raise for our servicemen and servicewomen. Additionally, the NDAA included $24.5 million for military infrastructure in Battle Creek. This funding will enhance Southwest Michigan’s footprint in our Armed Forces as well as increase its ability to support ongoing training and combat operations.
This bill also included a pay increase for the men and women tasked with securing our border. While I disagree with the failed policies being pursued by the current administration, I have seen first-hand the dedication and commitment of those on the ground working to secure our border. Border security is national security and I will continue to hold the President and his Administration accountable for their misguided policies.
Additionally, the 2024 NDAA included legislation I introduced called the AUKUS Submarine Transfer Authorization Act. This measure is designed to counter communist China’s growing influence by enhancing our alliance with our British and Australian partners. It does this by authorizing the sale of up to three Virginia Class nuclear powered submarines to Australia. This action will directly improve our deterrence capabilities as well as our readiness in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The acquisition of these submarines will result in a roughly $3 billion investment from the Australians into our submarine industrial base. This investment will create jobs, help ease the production and maintenance backlog that currently exists, and put us in a better position to hit future American naval fleet goals.
Moving forward, I will continue to work to strengthen our national security and the role Southwest Michigan plays in the defense of our nation.
If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Portage at (269) 569-8595 and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, the Huizenga Huddle at Huizenga.House.Gov.