Senate Passes Defense Bill Supporting Troops and Indiana Priorities
Last week, the Senate continued its 60-year-steak of passing a strong and bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will keep America secure and support our men and women in uniform.
This year’s bill ensures a well-deserved three percent pay increase to those in uniform who make significant sacrifices to safeguard our nation. This legislation also includes a new initiative to deter the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression known as the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. This transformative new program will enhance budgetary transparency and oversight, while reassuring our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
I’ve also worked hard to secure priorities with a direct impact on Indiana, including provisions that bolster innovation and put Indiana companies in a strong position to succeed.
During this time of uncertainty, it’s our job to fully fund our nation’s defense to fight the global threats of coronavirus, deter China, and keep Americans safe.
While I am glad that we were able to get this bill passed for the good of our nation, I am disappointed that my amendment to preserve the Pentagon’s Chief Management Officer (CMO) position was not included in the final version of the Senate-passed bill. In the past year alone, the CMO has saved American taxpayers $21 billion in the Department of Defense and should have earned some job security.
Click here to learn more about the year-end National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
My Bipartisan Bill to Support Global Trillion Trees Initiative
I have long held the position that we can protect our environment without harming our economy, and the Trillion Trees initiative is one example of the type of action we can take to reduce emissions and protect our natural resources while creating new economic opportunities. The Trillion Trees initiative would support U.S. leadership in reducing carbon in the atmosphere by restoring and conserving forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Click here to learn more about this legislation.
Statement on Vote to Approve Military Equipment Sale
This year’s agreement between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel, known as the Abraham Accords, marks a historic step forward toward peace and stability in the Middle East. The next chapter of Middle East security is being written and the Senate action last week to allow the sale of the F-35 and other advanced military equipment is a symbol of our deepening security relationship with our friends in the UAE. Sales like these are an important tool in our country’s foreign policy, not just because we improve coordination between our armed forces, but we also advance American values.
However, our foreign policy and our global security posture must be approached holistically. We must all remember that peace and stability is not achieved through military means alone. We must not on the one hand sell arms while simultaneously aiding terror recruitment efforts by imposing new aid restrictions and furthering food insecurity in Yemen. As we advance these sales to deter Iran and others who seek to destabilize the Middle East, we must also take action to provide humanitarian relief to the millions who are on the brink of famine in Yemen and continue fighting for our values around the globe.
A Distinguished Career Serving Children and Families
Last week, I commended Hoosier Sharon Pierce for decades of service in Indiana’s child and family welfare system. Sharon served as President and CEO of The Villages of Indiana, a non-profit child and family services agency.
Click here or on the image below to watch my full remarks.
Increase Investment in Hydrogen to Strengthen our Economy
Last week, I introduced the Hydrogen Utilization and Sustainability (Hy USA) Act to include hydrogen among the renewable resources eligible for the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit. As the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen is an emerging energy source that we must seriously target today. Our bipartisan bill would promote increased investment in hydrogen to strengthen the American economy and build energy leadership abroad.
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