National Pulse Memorial

Floor Speech

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Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Rogers for yielding.

Madam Speaker, our national security is in jeopardy. Russia literally has over 100,000 troops sitting on Ukraine's doorstep. Iran continues to threaten the viability of Israel and other regional nations, and China is preparing to bully the ASEAN nations into submission and declare their regional hegemony, not just in Hong Kong but the entire region.

Just this year, China surpassed the United States in battle force ships and is rapidly approaching parity in our combat aircraft.

Do we have the courage to stand up to these regional tyrants; do we oppose an Iranian regime who threatens to destabilize neighboring countries while they seek nuclear capabilities; or even do we seek to appease a North Korea who continues to threaten South Korea and even the United States with their nuclear expansion?

Our Nation sits at the precipice of a national security inflection point. I know which path our Nation should select and I am emboldened to ensure our Nation is prepared to choose, at a time of our choosing, what will be in the best interest of our Nation. A strong national defense is necessary to preserve our democratic ideals and the nations who seek to live free from subjugation and oppression.

Madam Speaker, that is why I am particularly pleased that we have rejected a multitude of national security objectives proposed by the Biden administration. This bill authorizes a 20 percent increase in ship construction, partially rejects an ill-advised ``divest to invest'' strategy, and blocks a multitude of poison pills that were haphazardly tacked on to this bill.

I thank Ranking Member Rogers and his leadership during the top-line debate this year. We are adopting his authorization vision today, a vision that ensures real growth for defense. I also particularly thank Chairman Smith and Chairman Courtney for their approach to national security and their desire to reach a bipartisan consensus, doing what is in the best interest of our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I say to my friends that this is a good bill, worthy of support. It sends a strong message to our democratic partners and allies that the United States stands with countries that oppose regional hegemony. We need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act to ensure our national security.

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