National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. 2670.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2670, the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

H.R. 2670 represents a truly bipartisan bill. I thank Ranking Member Smith for his tremendous help in moving this bill through committee. Congress has the constitutional duty to provide for our common defense. Every year, we fulfill this duty by passing the National Defense Authorization Act.

The fiscal year 2024 NDAA provides our warfighters the resources and authorities they need to provide for the defense of our Nation and the security of our allies around the world.

That is critical because the threats we face today are more complex and serious than they have been at any point in the last 30 years. Topping that list is an increasingly aggressive China.

Ranking Member Smith and I recently led a bipartisan delegation to Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. What was clear from our meetings was that the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party is real and represents the most pressing national security challenge we have faced in decades.

The fiscal year 2024 NDAA was built with that underlying goal of deterring the Chinese Communist Party in mind.

It provides new authorities and speeds the fielding of innovative new technologies like artificial intelligence and hypersonics that will give us the advantage in a conflict with China. It strengthens our security partnerships with Taiwan and other Pacific allies.

It fully funds and expedites the modernization of the nuclear deterrent and builds a stronger and more capable missile defense. It protects the U.S. military bases, critical infrastructure, and academic research from Chinese encroachment and espionage.

It builds the logistics networks that the Pacific military needs to carry out the operations against China. It includes new authorities to retool and revitalize the industrial base to ensure they can deliver the systems we need to prevail in any conflict.

Reorienting our defense to deter the threat from China will be an expensive endeavor. We knowledge there are limits on what we can afford to spend, that is why this NDAA is hyperfocused on rooting out waste in the DOD. If weapons systems are not responsive to the threats we face, we cut them.

In fact, the NDAA includes nearly $40 billion in savings from cutting systems that can't survive a conflict with China and by reining in programs that have grown out of control.

We also require the DOD Inspector General to review major defense programs for waste, and we create a new special inspector general to oversee all Ukraine aid. In the face of growing threats from China, it is critical we restore the military's focus on lethality.

The fiscal year 2024 NDAA does so by bringing to an end divisive policies implemented by this administration that have hurt recruiting, unit cohesion, and military readiness.

While I believe this will go a long way toward resolving the recruiting crisis we face, we also need to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. The NDAA does that by providing for the largest pay raise in 30 years and authorizes bonuses for junior enlisted personnel.

It increases allowances for housing and basic needs to counteract the growing costs for food and housing. It authorizes $200 million more than the President requested to build new barracks and family housing.

The bill expands access and significantly reduces the cost of childcare for military families. It makes it easier for military spouses to find jobs when servicemembers transfer stations.

Finally, it improves the quality of military healthcare, especially mental health services for our servicemembers and their families.

This bill passed out of committee 58-1. That is the definition of a bipartisan bill. It will enhance congressional oversight of DOD and it will improve the quality of life of our servicemembers. It will help build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter the Chinese Communist Party and our other adversaries.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.

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 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. 2670 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, Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, the Committee on Appropriations is willing to waive its right to sequential referral. It does so with the mutual understanding that the Committee is not waiving any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or other legislation, whether now or in the future, and that the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward, so it may address any remaining jurisdictional issues. I further 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 in the committee report on H.R. 2670 and in 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, Kay Granger, Chairwoman, Committee on Appropriations. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Kay Granger, Chairwoman, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Granger: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write to confirm our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. H.R. 2670 contains provisions that fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Budget. However, the Committee agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill in order to expedite House consideration of H.R. 2670.

The Committee on the Budget takes this action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that the Committee may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference convened on this legislation or similar legislation and requests your support if such a request is made.

I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2670 and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in your committee report and in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 2670. I look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jodey C. Arrington, Chairman, Committee on the Budget. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Jodey Arrington, Chairman, Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Arrington: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. I agree that the Committee on the Budget 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 the Budget is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Education and the Workforce, Washington, DC, June 26, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: This letter is in regard to the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Education and the Workforce (``Committee'') in certain provisions of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, the Committee is willing to waive the right to sequential referral. 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 the Education and the Workforce Committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 2670 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, Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman, Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Foxx: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. I agree that the Committee on Education and the Workforce 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 the Workforce is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write to you concerning H.R. 2670, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.'' While there are provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, I wanted to notify you that the Committee will forgo action on the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration.

This is done with the understanding that the Committee's jurisdictional interests over this and similar legislation are in no way diminished or altered. In addition, the Committee reserves the right to seek conferees on H.R. 2670 and requests your support when such a request is made.

I would appreciate your response confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2670 and ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the committee report on the bill or in the Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the House floor. Sincerely, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair McMorris Rodgers: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services.

In the interest of permitting your Committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive the Financial Services 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. 2670 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, Patrick McHenry, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Patrick McHenry, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman McHenry: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, June 26, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: Thank you for consulting with the Committee on Foreign Affairs on H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, certain provisions of which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

To help expedite its consideration, I agree to forego a sequential referral of the bill, subject to the understanding that this does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or similar legislation in the future. I ask that you support the appointment of Foreign Affairs conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this bill.

Please place our exchange of letters into your committee report on H.R. 2670, and into the Congressional Record during floor consideration. I appreciate your cooperation on this bill, and look forward to continuing to work with you as H.R. 2670 moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Michael T. McCaul, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman McCaul: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC, June 27, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write to you concerning H.R. 2670, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.'' There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security. 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.

The Committee takes this action with the understanding that by waiving consideration of H.R. 2670, the Committee on Homeland Security does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in this or similar legislation, and that we will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so we may address any remaining issues within our 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.

Finally, please place this letter in the committee report on H.R. 2670 and in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter. Sincerely, Mark E. Green, MD, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mark Green, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Green: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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 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. 2670 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, Bryan Steil, Chairman, Committee on House Administration. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Steil: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee On Intelligence, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write in response to your committee's request concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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 118th 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. 2670 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, Michael R. Turner, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Michael Turner, Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Turner: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. Provisions of this bill fall within the Judiciary Committee's Rule X jurisdiction, and I appreciate that you consulted with us on those provisions. The Judiciary Committee agrees that it shall be discharged from further consideration of the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor.

The Committee takes this action with the understanding that forgoing further consideration of this measure does not in any way alter the Committee's jurisdiction or waive any future jurisdictional claim over these provisions or their subject matter. We also reserve the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees in the event of a conference with the Senate involving this measure or similar legislation.

I ask that you please include this letter in your committee's report to accompany this legislation or insert this letter in the Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 2670 on the House floor. I appreciate the cooperative manner in which our committees have worked on this matter, and I look forward to working collaboratively in the future on matters of shared jurisdiction. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Jim Jordan, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Jim Jordan, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Jordan: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. I agree that the Committee on the Judiciary 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 the Judiciary is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chair, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources.

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 Natural Resources 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. 2670 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, Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Westerman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

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, Committee on Oversight and Accountability 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. 2670 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, James Comer, Chairman, Committee on Oversight & Accountability. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. James Comer, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Accountability, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Comer: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. I agree that the Committee on Oversight and Accountability 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 Accountability is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatves, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

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. 2670 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 D. Lucas, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Frank Lucas: Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Lucas: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, Washington, DC, June 26, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chair, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Small Business.

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. 2670 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, Roger Williams, Chairman, Committee on Small Business. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Roger Williams, Chairman, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Williams: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, June 26, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and infrastructure.

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. 2670 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, Sam Graves,

Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Sam Graves, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Graves, Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC, June 28, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

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 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. 2670 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, Mike Bost, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Mike Bost, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bost: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. [ 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, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing with respect to H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means.

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 Ways and Means 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. 2670 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, Jason Smith, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2023. Hon. Jason Smith, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. I agree that the Committee on Ways and Means 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 Ways and Means is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), the vice chairman of the full committee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), who is the chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly), who is the chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Gallagher), who is the chairman of the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), the chairman of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz), my friend and chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Banks), my good friend, and the chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining on each side?

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), my friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz), my friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford), my friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. McCormick), my friend and colleague, and a freshman member of the committee who is doing an outstanding job.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, the ranking member did a great job of outlining how important this bill is and emphasizing the fact that we don't all agree with what is in this bill. It is a compromise process.

We are in an institution where we have divided government. Neither side is going to get everything they like.

I represent a rural, very conservative district. If all I had to worry about was my perspective, this bill would look a lot different, but I am not the only person that gets a say-so.

We have a history, and a very proud history in this body of finding a way, for 62 consecutive years, to come together, no matter which party is in control of the White House, no matter which party is in control of the House or Senate, to find a way to put our men and women in uniform ahead of everything else and get a national defense authorization bill passed.

Our committee demonstrated, once again this year, with a 58-1 vote, that that priority is still the priority.

I am very proud of this bill. It is not everything I like. I hope that, in fact, once we finish this amendment process, it looks a lot like it does right now because the ranking member is correct. If this bill were put on the floor for a vote today, it would get much more than 350 votes in my opinion, so I am proud of it.

I do want to take a minute to thank our staff. I can't overstate how much work has gone into this process. As the ranking member mentioned, we had over 1,200, 12 or 1,300 amendments filed in committee. We had, I believe, over 1,400 filed here for the floor.

The staff has done an incredible job over recent months to get us to where we are. They continue to work in a great bipartisan fashion to advance this product.

The Rules Committee has been very helpful to work with, and I appreciate all of these individuals and what they do for our country.

This is a good bill. I urge Members to vote for it.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 582, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I was just going to tell the gentleman that I have speakers that aren't here, so I am ready to move on, as well. I appreciate the ranking member. He has done a great job. He has been a great partner in this process, and I can't overstate how highly I think of him.

Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 582, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), my friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), my friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 582, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I have no speakers. I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I have no additional speakers.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 582, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I have no speakers. I encourage my colleagues to support the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 582, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), my friend and colleague and an outstanding member of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Alabama does not wish to seek recognition.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Donalds), a friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), another outstanding member of the Florida congressional delegation.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), my friend and colleague.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I encourage support of the en bloc package, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

The motion was agreed to.

Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Strong) having assumed the chair, Mr. Gooden of Texas, Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2670) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, had come to no resolution thereon.

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