Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. 8070.

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

Mr. Chairman, for the first time in decades, this year's Defense bill carries a different short title. It is the Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act.

We did that to underscore the tremendous gains this bill makes toward improving the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. No servicemember should have to live in squalid conditions. No military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children. No one serving this country should have to wait weeks to see a doctor or mental health professional.

That is exactly what many of our servicemembers are experiencing, especially our junior enlisted personnel. This bill goes a long way toward fixing that. It includes a 20 percent pay raise for junior enlisted. It expands allowances for housing and food and improves the cost-of-living calculation.

The bill authorizes $766 million over the budget request to improve existing barracks and build new ones. It enables the services to pursue public-private partnerships to provide better unaccompanied housing.

The bill reduces dangerous healthcare wait times by waiving referral requirements for specialty care and expanding the number of DOD doctors and nurses with special recruitment and pay authorities.

The bill improves access to childcare for military families by providing over $206 million to build new DOD childcare centers and fully funding childcare fee assistance programs to offset the cost of private childcare.

The bill helps military spouses gain and retain employment by making it easier for them to transfer professional licenses between States. It also gives the DOD the authority to quickly hire military spouses and keep them employed during changes in duty stations.

We are making these historic improvements in the quality of life of our servicemembers because, now more than ever, we need to recruit and retain the best and brightest. That is because the threats our Nation faces, especially those from China, are more complex and challenging than at any other point in the last 40 years.

To deter those threats, the fiscal year 2025 NDAA reforms acquisition authorities and fosters private-sector innovation to speed the fielding of game-changing new technologies that will give us the advantage in a conflict with China. It strengthens our security partnerships with Taiwan and Pacific allies. It fully funds the modernization of our nuclear deterrent, protects the U.S. military bases, the defense supply chain, and academic research from Chinese espionage.

The act builds the logistics network in the Pacific the military needs to carry out operations against China, and it includes new investments to retool and revitalize the industrial base to ensure it can deliver the systems we need to prevail in any conflict.

In the face of the growing threats from China, it is also critical we restore our military's focus on lethality. The fiscal year 2025 NDAA does that by ending divisive policies that have hurt unit cohesion and military readiness. We all know that deterring these threats will be an expensive endeavor, but we acknowledge there are limits as to what we can spend.

That is why this NDAA is focused on rooting out waste in the DOD. If weapons systems are not responsive to the threats we face, we cut them. In fact, this bill includes over $30 billion in savings from cutting systems that can't survive in a conflict with China and by reining in programs, like the F-35, that are not delivering on requirements.

I thank the ranking member and his staff for their tremendous work in putting this bill together. This is a truly bipartisan bill. It passed out of committee 57-1. It executes on hundreds of hours of bipartisan oversight conducted by Members and staff over the past few months.

It will help revitalize the defense industrial base. It will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China, and it will provide historic improvements in the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, May 29, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. H.R. 8070 contains provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Budget.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important legislation, I am willing to waive the Committee on the Budget's right to a sequential referral. I do so with the mutual understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on the Budget does not waive any future jurisdictional claim 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 its 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. 8070 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. 8070. 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Jodey C. Arrington, Chairman, Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Arrington: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. ____ Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 29, 2024. 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. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, 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 Committee on Education and the Workforce to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Virginia Foxx, Chairwoman, Committee on Education and Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Foxx: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. I agree that the Committee on Education and 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 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, May 28, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write to you concerning H.R. 8070, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.'' 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. 8070 and requests your support when such a request is made.

I would appreciate your response confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 8070 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 Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. 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. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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 Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. 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. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, 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. 8070, 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. 8070 moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Michael T. McCaul, Chairman. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Michael T. McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman McCaul: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. ____ Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 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. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Homeland Security 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 in the committee report on H.R. 8070 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, Mark E. Green, MD, Chairman. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Mark E. Green, MD, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Green: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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, May 30, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on House Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Bryan Steil, Chairman, Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Steil: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, May 28, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Jim Jordan, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Jordan: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. ____ Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 28, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Westerman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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, May 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. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. 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. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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 Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, May 29, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Frank D. Lucas, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Lucas: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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, May 29, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chair, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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, May 30, 2024. Hon. Roger Williams, Chairman, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Williams: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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, May 29, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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 the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure'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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. 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. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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, May 29, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Mike Bost, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bost: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. I 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, May 30, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Jason Smith, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. ____ House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, May 29, 2024. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write in response to your committee's request concerning H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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. 8070 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. ____ Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 30, 2024. Hon. Michael R. Turner, Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Turner: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. 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,

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), my friend and colleague and the chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Banks), the chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

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

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), a very special member of our committee who not only chairs the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation but also was the chair of the task force that spent last year studying the quality of life issues that our military families have been struggling with and helped put together the package that we have in this year's bill that addresses those issues.

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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 Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz), my friend and colleague from my committee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I have one additional speaker. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, first, I thank the ranking member, my friend, Mr. Smith, who has been an outstanding partner. The Democratic staff has been very, very good to work with in fashioning this bill in a bipartisan fashion with our Republican staff, and I thank them for doing that once again.

I take great pride in the fact that our country, for 63 consecutive years, has found a way to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, no matter which party is in the majority, no matter which party is in the White House. That speaks well of our country. I want this to be the 64th year that we do the same thing.

Our national security is about to be challenged in ways that we have never imagined. The bill before us today will go a long way toward preparing our industrial base and our warfighters to overcome those challenges.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This amendment would require the Air Force to begin restoring nuclear capabilities to B-52 bombers that had this capability removed under the New START Treaty.

The treaty expires in 2026, and the prospect of Russia coming to the table for serious arms control discussions is incredibly unlikely, so we need to be prepared to face a nuclear environment without any treaty limitations.

That is what this amendment does. It takes reasonable steps to ensure that we are prepared for a future threat environment that is more competitive and unconstrained by treaties.

I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 1287, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Boebert).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague from California (Mr. Obernolte).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. 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, I strongly support requiring all of our NATO allies to meet their 2 percent obligation, but arbitrarily cutting off funding to NATO with a war raging in Eastern Europe and Putin threatening us with nuclear weapons is absolutely the wrong thing to do.

It also shoots us in the foot. Our force posture in Europe is dependent on the investments we make to NATO. We need a stronger NATO for our own defense.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to oppose this amendment.

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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. Obernolte) having assumed the chair, Mr. Cline, Acting 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. 8070) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2025 for military activities of the Department of Defense, 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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