Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership, and I thank him for yielding, and I thank the ranking member, too, for the incredible work that they have done in a bipartisan way.

As this year ends, we face a tired and turbulent world in dire need of leadership, vision, and strength. However, Americans should celebrate that there is good reason to be hopeful about the future.

Russian forces are debilitated, and an elimination of the Syrian dictatorship dealt a blow to Iranian influence in the Middle East, a crucial win for our ally Israel.

Nevertheless, make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, our national security pacing threat remains China and their drive to challenge the world order, a world order that is the bedrock of our economic prosperity and has not in any way, shape, or form waned.

We can't afford to project weakness. We must not tolerate China's rising aggression. This bill refocuses our national security priorities while taking care of our servicemembers.

For example, the NDAA expands the Pacific deterrence initiative and expands prohibitions on Department of Defense contracting with Chinese civil-military companies. It retains needed aircraft needed to deter potential Chinese conflict. It also accelerates urgent reform in the Joint Strike Fighter program to drive efficiencies, and it provides a generational 14.5 percent pay increase for our military's junior enlisted.

I am pleased with these outcomes. They are imperative to maintaining an operationally effective and strategically relevant force.

I also thank Ranking Member Don Norcross, who has been an incredible leader. We have worked in a bipartisan way. He is a great teammate in these efforts and equally values our goals to deter future conflict.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I believe in the old Roman adage: Pray for peace, and prepare for war.

It is as relevant today as it was almost 2,000 years ago. I intend therefore to support the National Defense Authorization Act, and I believe its passage is essential to our national security.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership in delivering this bill.

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