National Pulse Memorial

Floor Speech

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Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

I am proud that we in the House and Senate have completed our work on this defense bill and reached bipartisan consensus in support of our national security and our men and women in uniform.

This year's bill contains multiple provisions to address strategic challenges presented by China and Russia, to strengthen our ability to operate in the grey zone of conflict, and to deepen relationships with key allies and partners.

As chair of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, I am proud of the provisions of this bill that represent critical reforms to the defense intelligence enterprise, Special Operations Forces, and our ability to counter weapons of mass destruction.

Our bill creates more agility across the defense intelligence enterprise by expanding information sharing with allies and partners and breaking down barriers to information sharing. This enhances our warfighters' and combatant commanders' ability to counter China and Russia in the information environment.

The bill authorizes investments in emergent technologies for intelligence systems, including increasing funding for Project Maven, military information support operations, and the continued use of Small Business Innovation Research to develop AI-enabled data storage system solutions.

Our bill authorizes a $105 million increase to the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, which will enhance our efforts to detect and fight emergent chemical and biological threats and develop medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics.

It also establishes an office and organizational structure and provides authorities to address unidentified aerial phenomena.

Finally, the bill strengthens alliances and partnerships with key countries in the Indo-Pacific, like South Korea and Taiwan, and in Europe. I am particularly proud that for the first time this bill recognizes the Baltic Security Initiative, which will provide robust support to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and further strengthen deterrence in the region at a time of heightened tensions.

I want to thank my subcommittee ranking member, Trent Kelly, for his contribution. I also want to thank the staff, Shannon Green, Jessica Carroll, Zachary Taylor, and Patrick Nevins, as well as my MLA, Michelle, for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, in addition to meeting the most pressing security challenges we face as a Nation today, this bill supports our servicemembers with a 2.7 percent pay raise, implements landmark UCMJ reforms, and combats extremism in the military.

It is a good bill and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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