Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Chair, the annual Defense Appropriations bill is one of the best tools we have to strengthen our national security and foster innovation.

This year's bill includes a well-deserved 5.2 percent pay raise for our troops and $12.5 million dollars to support the Rock Island Arsenal and manufacturing jobs in my district.

Workers in Central and Northwestern Illinois take great pride in supplying our military with new equipment that helps service members safely defend and protect our nation.

That is why I'm proud to introduce my amendment to fund novel technology that can 3D print high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber composite parts into state-of-the-art wings for Unmanned Air Vehicles.

This new technology will produce wings roughly 10 times faster than traditional technologies on the market, allowing for the fabrication of a wing in a single day and assisting the military in meeting the demand for Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

At the same time, this funding will create good-paying jobs for the families in my neighborhood.

I urge Congress to pass my amendment and get this project off the ground for our taxpayers and for our national defense.

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