Conference Report on H.R. William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to continue our chairman's lauding of the career of Mac Thornberry, again, over his objections. In my 18 years that I have served in Congress, I can tell you, not only has his leadership been essential on the Armed Services Committee, but his time, both as chairman and ranking member, has been incredibly important. He has served the Nation well.

I want to thank Chairman Smith for his leadership. We have truly a bipartisan bill in front of us, and it is a result of Mac Thornberry and Adam Smith, their work to try to ensure that we do put America first.

Contrary to the prior speaker--before we began to debate this bill, we heard accusations that this did not put America first. This puts America first. What is essential about this is that our adversaries are gaining on our capabilities. They are investing in modernization. They are investing in capabilities that will threaten our ability to ensure our safety and our liberty. This bill is about America first.

I would like to highlight a few key issues in this bill.

First, the conference report fully authorizes the administration's budget request for the National Nuclear Security Administration. These funds are critical to ensuring our nuclear weapons enterprise remains safe, secure, and effective going into the future. We have put off needed investment too long. There is no longer any margin of error or delay. Now, the NNSA must transform from a culture of sustainment and maintenance to a culture of development and manufacturing to meet the nuclear safety environment of the future.

Second, I am pleased that the conference report removes a provision that would have prohibited the NNSA from conducting necessary testing and experimentation.

Next, the conference report funds the ground based strategic deterrent, the replacement for the Minuteman III, which has provided the Nation with a nuclear security umbrella for half a century. Transition to the ground-based strategic deterrent will be one of the most complex projects the Federal Government has ever undertaken.

The bill also continues the progress of Space Force, and the bill makes serious investments in missile defense by funding the Missile Defense Agency's highest unfunded priorities. It authorizes funds for nine SM-3 Block IIA missiles and a new THAAD battery.

The conference report also includes a provision directing the DOD to collaborate with research centers so that we can bring forward information on our adversaries and what they are doing.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to vote for this bill. It is important for the future and the security of America.

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