Supporting Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act stands apart from previous years. Our military continues countless measures abroad to ensure our security here at home. This year, they are also called upon to battle the COVID pandemic at home.

The chairman's bill aligns our national security interests with our National Defense Strategy. It enables forward movement on the future of disruptive innovation, challenging business as usual.

Importantly, this bill creates a Pandemic Preparedness and Resilience National Security Fund. It directs $1 billion to proactively prepare for and respond to future pandemics.

Additionally, it authorizes an Assistant Secretary to provide important guidance and support to undergird our defense industrial base to ensure a supply of materials critical to our national security and provide extra support to expand the small business industrial base.

Further, it creates a more inclusive military. This range of talents will benefit our national security as much as weapons and ammunition.

Our obligation as Congress is not to flinch in the face of crisis and pandemic. We must provide our military with the means to remain a vigilant and ready force able to defend against any threat to American values and our way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support for the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source