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

Floor Speech

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Mr. AMO. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Smith for allowing me to speak on my amendment No. 267 in the en bloc.

The Australia, United Kingdom, and United States security pact, also known as AUKUS, is one of the most significant security arrangements in generations. It is essential to maintaining free trade and security in the Indo-Pacific.

As we strengthen our coordination of defense article production with our allies, we must continue to prioritize domestic research, producers, and procurement.

AUKUS is a premier example of the domestic benefits. The University of Rhode Island and Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, formed research and education partnerships with Australian partners. AUKUS will also support good-paying jobs and small businesses across Rhode Island.

My amendment reinforces twin ideas that AUKUS is critical to protecting national security and that it boosts local economies by enhancing defense production capabilities.

Let's ensure the Pentagon promotes and prioritizes domestic production as we work alongside our allies for a safer and more stable future.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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