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Mr. HILL. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman of the committee and the ranking member for their strong work in crafting this national defense authorization bill. I am always proud to support the defense of this Nation and the airmen and women at Little Rock Air Force base and the members of the Arkansas National Guard.
This legislation comes at an important time. It protects us and our allied interests from a rapidly expanding China and from increasing Iranian and Russian influence in the Middle East.
While we continue to do our focus on Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, countering the Chinese Communists, we must not lose focus on our strategic interests and our allies in the Middle East and our continued fight against a toxic mix of radical ISIS, al-Qaida, and Shia militia that are threatening the communities of the Gulf and our military assets. I am delighted that my amendment countering the Iranian assaults on our military was ruled in order.
I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for this important work on this legislation and our 63rd annual successful year in supporting our military strategy and our troops.
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