Dr. Joyce: Congress Must Support the Warfighter & Our National Defense

Washington, DC Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

"As our nation faces emerging threats, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 will support the warfighter and equip our Armed Forces to defend Americans against our enemies. It includes key provisions to modernize our military capabilities, deter China and Russia, boost our preparedness, and maintain America's competitive edge.

"The 2021 defense bill will provide a three percent pay raise for our troops and offer much-deserved benefits to the military families who sacrifice each day for our freedom. As we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it will provide protections and care for our servicemembers while also equipping the Department of Defense to execute Operation Warp Speed and lead the distribution of a safe and effective vaccine.

"The NDAA will reinforce our region's strong defense manufacturing industry and protect family-sustaining jobs in all ten counties of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. I am proud that this legislation includes my Small Business Category Management Training Act, which ensures that small businesses that provide critical goods and services for our Armed Forces can compete for federal contracts.

"As America counters the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party amidst a pandemic it caused, we cannot afford to let down our guard against this aggressive regime. The 2021 defense bill will strengthen America's supply chains for medicine, health care supplies, and technology as well as counter the increasing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in our government, institutions, and businesses.

"The brave members of our Armed Forces serve and sacrifice for our nation each day. As a key Constitutional responsibility, Congress must support the warfighter and our national defense."

The FY 2021 NDAA includes key priorities for Pennsylvania and the nation, including:

• A three percent pay raise for American troops and pay incentives to recruit and retain critically needed military personnelwith science and technology expertise, including pilots, submariners, health care professionals, and those with other vital skills.
• Critical childcare, housing, and mental health care resources for military families.
• Expansion of VA telemedicine capabilities to improve veterans' access to quality health care, as well as increased mental health care and suicide prevention resources.
• COVID-19 protections for American troops, including personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, and improved health care capacity.
• Stronger requirements to reduce the total cost of weapons systems and improve reliability and maintainability.
• Investments in equipment and technology that are critical to maintain America's edge in the 21st century, including Long-Range Precision Fires and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) priorities of the Army including Precision Strike Missile, Hyper-Velocity Projectiles, Lower-Tier Air Missile Defense Sensor, High-Energy Lasers, Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2, and the IAMD Battle Command System.
• Funding for the Navy to procure nine battle force ships including one Columbia class fleet ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers, one guided missile Frigate (FFG), one Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship, and two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships which will be developed with products manufactured in PA-13.
• Resources to counter the growing threat of the Chinese Communist Party, including key supply chain protections for pharmaceuticals, health care supplies, technology, and other vital products; as well as a prohibition on the Department of Defense from sourcing materials from China.
• Requirement for the Department of Defense to conduct an audit and promote fiscal accountability.

Background:

Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District is home to Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA, which provides responsive and sustainable readiness for the U.S. and Allied Air and Missile Defense Forces to support U.S. global strategic interests. The NDAA includes key support for this depot and those who support its mission.

Congressman Joyce serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Small Business Committee. He is also a member of the China Task Force.

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