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Full story by McKenzie Stauffer here.
Today, the Senate voted 84-13 to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which authorizes funding for our national defense, promotes innovation and technology to keep our country safe, authorizes $9.1 billion to procure 93 F-35s, and provides a pay raise for our troops. The NDAA includes provisions which Senator Romney fought for to counter China’s growing influence in the world, limit misguided U.S. troop reductions in Germany, support Hill Air Force Base, and protect Utah’s Dugway Proving Ground.
The Senator Romney-backed provisions in the NDAA:
Provision to grant temporary authority to appoint retired members of the Armed Forces to positions in the Department of Defense to support Hill Air Force Base’s vital work in supporting United States national security. Romney has been working to pass legislation to repeal the 180-day hiring restriction for military retirees since 2019.
Provision to direct the Department of Defense to conduct comprehensive reports comparing U.S. military spending with the relative Chinese and Russian defense budgets, in order to understand the actual purchasing power of China and Russia.
Provision to support the continued presence of U.S. forces in Germany and limits Department of Defense’s ability to reduce the number active-duty service members in Germany below 34,500 until a complete assessment on its impact on U.S. national security and our allies, the cost for relocating infrastructure, and our military families.
Conference request to DoD to complete a report on potential reductions to DoD’s Chemical and Biological Defense program, which includes Dugway Proving Ground in Tooele County, Utah, and the impact of potential cuts on national security threats.
Provision to support the acquisition and maintenance of F-35s at Hill Air Force Base.
Senator Romney delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to celebrate the career of Congressman Rob Bishop, who is retiring at the end of this Congress after representing Utahns’ interests in Washington for nearly two decades. Rep. Bishop is a dedicated public servant whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark upon Utah, and upon our country.
Senator Orrin Hatch dedicated his life to serving our country and Utah. This week, the House passed legislation previously introduced by Senators Romney and Lee in the Senate, to name the federal courthouse in Salt Lake City in honor of former Senator Hatch. This bill is now headed to the President’s desk.
Full story by Dennis Romboy here.
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