Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this year's Defense appropriations bill, and I thank Chairwoman Granger and Chairman Calvert for their hard work in crafting this important bill.

Today, our Nation faces serious threats from our adversaries--in particular, the People's Republic of China. This legislation focuses on delivering the resources needed to counter these threats and to support our servicemembers and their families.

The bill includes one of the largest pay increases for our troops in years, particularly for our junior enlisted, as well as needed investments in next-generation fighter aircraft, submarines, and modernized tactical vehicles.

I am also pleased that the bill focuses on combating the illicit flow of opioids and fentanyl into the country, which is killing countless Americans on a daily basis.

The legislation takes needed steps to ensure that the DOD is focused on its core mission of being the most lethal and effective fighting force on the planet, not on advancing a woke agenda.

Lastly, I am pleased that the bill includes important Defense priorities in the State of Oklahoma, including funding to accelerate the E-7, which will be based at Tinker Air Force Base.

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