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National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

Floor Speech

By: Adam Smith

Date: Sept. 21, 2021

Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 667, I call up the bill (H.R. 4350) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2022 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. 4350.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 4 minutes.

Madam Speaker, we have before us the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, and I highly recommend it to the Members of the House and urge everybody to support this incredibly important and very well put together piece of legislation.

The first thing I will say is thank you to all of the staff, certainly on the Armed Services Committee, but the Rules Committee as well, and the leadership staff. This has been a truly bipartisan legislative process.

We had our markup in committee which lasted, I will do a little quick math in my head, something like 16 hours. We considered over 800 amendments, with a variety of different variations, and we got that number up closer to 1100. And then before the Rules Committee there were, again, over 800 amendments submitted, and we have worked with Members of this body, Democrats and Republicans, members on the committee and off, to craft what I think is a very good piece of legislation.

I think it is incredibly important, first of all, that we pass this bill so that Congress continues to exercise its authority to exercise oversight over the Department of Defense.

I know Members on both sides of this aisle have lamented throughout the years the degree to which the executive branch has exerted more power over the years, where the legislative branch has exhibited less. Now, granted, you find that issue more troubling when the opposite party is in charge of the White House, but we are all troubled by that phenomena.

We need to exercise our authority; this bill does that. To my mind, Congress does not pass enough authorizing bills, but we do do so in the Department of Defense, and have done so for over 60 straight years, and should do so again.

This bill, I think, is particularly important because we are at an important moment in defense of this country and in dealing with our role in the world. We have never faced a more complex threat environment. We have threats from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and transnational terrorist groups.

In addition, we are now coming out of 20 years of war fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, both countries of which our military now is out and not fighting those wars, and we have a whole bunch of change to deal with.

At the same time, innovation has never been more important in properly defending this country. We need to update and modernize our armed forces, everything from our information systems, to our command and control, to our platforms, to the support we give to our servicemembers. I am very proud that this bill reflects those priorities.

And the work has been done between Mr. Rogers and myself and members of the committee to produce that product. And I want to take a moment here to thank Mr. Rogers, the ranking member, he has been a terrific partner in this process, as has his staff and as has his members.

I think this bill reflects those priorities. It figures out how to improve our ability to update the military more quickly, to better buy software, to better innovate, to better embrace the innovative technologies that we need.

Madam Speaker, I want to particularly thank Mr. Langevin, as the subcommittee chair, who has taken the lead on the AI task force that looks at this question in great specificity. This bill really puts us in a position to modernize the force as we need to.

One other crucial issue that we do in this is we address the issue of sexual assault in the military that continues to be a scourge upon service in the military. We have worked for years to try to address this issue, we have not been successful.

This year, thanks in large part to the leadership of Congresswoman Speier, we have updated the UCMJ to create a special victims' prosecutor to give sexual assault and sex crimes the attention they deserve to make sure that we are protecting the men and women who serve in the military. It is a crucial aspect of this bill, and I strongly urge Members to support it.

Lastly, let me just say that as you pore over this bill, everybody here will find something that they do not like. Everybody here will also find something that they wish was in there that is not. There is no doubt about that, because it is a very large bill, and it was a collaborative process.

But it is the nature of the legislative process that you don't get absolutely everything that you want. I hope Members will keep that in mind. But it is also the nature of the legislative process, in this case, that we have produced a product that everybody in this House can be proud of.

And, again, I want to thank my Republican counterpart. We have worked together to produce this. I urge support from all Members. House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on House Administration.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on House Administration does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Zoe Lofgren, Chairperson. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Zoe Lofgren, Chairperson, Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairperson Lofgren: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on House Administration has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on House Administration is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Agriculture does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, David Scott, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. David Scott, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Scott: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Agriculture has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Agriculture is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Smith: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Appropriations does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this Committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Rosa L. DeLauro, Chair. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro, Chair, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair DeLauro: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Appropriations has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Appropriations is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, September 7, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Budget Committee does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, John Yarmuth, Chair, House Budget Committee. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. John Yarmuth, Chair, Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair Yarmuth: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Budget Committee has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Budget Committee is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Education and Labor does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Scott: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Education and Labor has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Education and Labor is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, September 7, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Energy and Commerce does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Pallone: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Energy and Commerce has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, September 7, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Financial Services does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Maxine Waters, Chairwoman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Maxine Waters, Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Waters: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Financial Services has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Financial Services is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting expeditious consideration of this legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Foreign Affairs does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and the House Foreign Affairs looks forward to continue working the House Armed Services Committee on the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. Sincerely, Gregory W. Meeks, Chair. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Gregory W. Meeks, Chair, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair Meeks: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Foreign Affairs has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Foreign Affairs is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Homeland Security does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Homeland Security has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Homeland Security is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the House Judiciary Committee does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Nadler: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the House Judiciary Committee has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the House Judiciary Committee is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chair, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair Smith: In recognition of the goal of expediting consideration of H.R. 4350, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022,'' the Committee on Natural Resources agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources.

The Committee on Natural Resources takes this action with the mutual understanding that, in doing so, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. Our Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation.

Thank you for agreeing to include our exchange of letters in the Congressional Record. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Raul M. Grijalva, Chair, House Natural Resources Committee. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Raul M. Grijalva, Chair, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Grijalva: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Natural Resources has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Natural Resources is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Reform, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman, Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Maloney: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Oversight and Reform has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Oversight and Reform is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____

House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, September 7, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman. ____ House of Representatives, Commitiee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Johnson: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, Washington, DC, September 3, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Small Business does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Nydia M. Velazquez, Chairman, Committee Small Business. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Nydia M. Velazquez, Chairwoman, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Velazquez: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Small Business has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Small Business is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, September 2, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Peter A. DeFazio, Chair. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Peter A. DeFazio, Chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair DeFazio: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Mark Takano, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Mark Takano, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Takano: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, September 8, 2021. Hon. Adam Smith, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Smith: I write in response to your committee's request, and concerning H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. Certain provisions in the legislation fall within the jurisdiction of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (the ``Committee''), as established by Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 117th Congress.

In the interest of expediting floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive the Committee's right to request a sequential referral. By doing so, the Committee does not waive any future claim over subjects addressed in the bill which fall within the Committee's jurisdiction. I also request that you urge the Speaker to name members of the Committee to any conference committee on the bill.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 4350 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely. Adam B. Schiff, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, September 9, 2021. Hon. Adam B. Schiff, Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Schiff: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. I agree that the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Chairman.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin).

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Rhode Island an additional 30 seconds.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden), who is a member of the committee.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi), who is the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes just to address a couple things the gentleman from Virginia said.

I want to be clear, it is the longstanding practice of our committee that we take issues that are not in our jurisdiction. We have done it under Republican leadership. We have done it under Democratic leadership.

It is also the longstanding practice of our committee to work with the committees of jurisdiction, and only if in a bipartisan, bicameral way those committees of jurisdiction agree, does it ultimately go into the conference report. So you don't need to be afraid of stuff that you don't like. Work with your committees of jurisdiction and it goes into the conference report if we get agreement. If it doesn't, it doesn't.

Second, last year that is not what held us up. The two things that held us up last year were one thing that was very much within the jurisdiction of this committee, and that was whether or not to rename military bases; to change the names of the bases named for Confederates, very much in our jurisdiction.

And the second thing was President Trump's last-second desire, out of nowhere, to add section 230 to the bill. We weren't held up by these things, and we will not be held up this year. If the committees of jurisdiction do not agree, we don't do it. We just have that negotiation. If they can, we give them a ride. So don't need to worry about that. It is a good bill. Go ahead and vote for it.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier), the chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross), the chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gallego), the chair of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee.
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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I just want to agree with Mr. Rogers. This bill, as you can hear from the Members speaking in favor of it on both sides of the aisle, encompasses a lot of different provisions, all designed to make sure we can adequately defend the country; and, most importantly, designed to make sure that we protect the men and women who are serving us to protect that country.

There are a lot of provisions in this bill focused on improving the quality of life, including a 2.7 percent pay increase and significant increases to improve things like childcare centers and barracks across the country.

I think this bill does an excellent job of identifying the threats that we face and putting ourselves in the best possible position to meet those threats going forward.

Again, no bill is perfect. We disagree on things. Everyone will have something in here that they wish were slightly different, but overall, I think we can support this bill.

I do want to close by once again emphasizing, I know there is a lot of angst about the amendments that have been ruled in order; but, again, that is not unusual that we would deal with issues that are not necessarily directly within our jurisdiction. We work with the committees of jurisdiction in order to carry those bills. We will continue to work on that.

I can say with confidence that there is no amendment that has been ruled in order that we are going to debate on that should impact any Members voting for this bill. This is a very strong bill. Do not forget the underlying provisions in this bill that are so important to the men and women who are serving this country, to the protections they need, the protections they deserve, and the protections that it is our obligation to provide for them and which I feel very, very strongly that this bill does.

This bill deserves support from this committee. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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