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Dear Friend,
Even in times of trial, Congress must still provide for the defense of America. Yesterday, my colleagues and I on the House Armed Services Committee passed the bipartisan 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support our military and our service members.
This year’s bill included several of my priorities to address some of the greatest threats the United States faces in the 21st century. See the list of what made it into the bill below:
- PROTECTING AGAINST CHINESE ESPIONAGE: China’s foreign talent recruitment program, commonly referred to as the Thousand Talents Program, incentivizes Chinese nationals to gain access to American research and transmit it back to the Chinese government. We must stop this flow of Chinese money into our educational system. I’m proud my two amendments addressing Chinese espionage both passed yesterday to require disclosure of foreign funding for colleges and universities receiving federal research funding from the U.S. government AND help identify foreign talent recruitment programs posing a risk to national security.
- BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FOR OUR SERVICE WOMEN: Right now, many of our pregnant women in the military are on the hook to pay for maternity uniforms. These uniforms often cost hundreds of dollars which could be used for childcare expenses and preparing for a newborn baby. It’s important we make sure we break down barriers for our women serving in the military so they can continue serving. My Rent the Camo amendment gives our service women access to more affordable maternity uniforms.
- SECURING OUR BASES: Last December, a terrorist from Saudi Arabia killed three Navy sailors at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. We can’t allow this to happen again. This amendment enhances vetting of foreign nationals training at U.S. military bases to ensure we keep our bases and service members safe.
- IMPROVING MILITARY HOUSING: Our military and their families sacrifice so much for our freedom. Sadly, we hear too many stories of unsafe military housing. This is unacceptable and we must do better. I’m glad my amendment to improve housing standards for military members and their families passed in this package. It’s critical we ensure our military and their families have a safe place to call home.
- REVIEWING AFGHANISTAN TROOP WITHDRAWAL: As a Green Beret and veteran of the War on Terror, I know it’s crucial we carefully review the national security and strategic risks before withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. This bill ensures Congress and the American people are informed of potential national security risks of withdrawal.
- PROMOTING PTSD RESEARCH: Many veterans return from war suffering from an invisible illness, post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s important critical we do everything we can to help our veterans suffering from PTSD. My amendment promotes research and treatment of PTSD through a collaborative partnership with Israel, so our veterans can lead happy, healthy lives.
- PROVIDING FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS: Our first responders help our communities during disasters and times of emergencies. My BRENDA amendment gives first responders access to critical supplies and commissaries while serving on our military bases. It’s important to help our give first responders supplies they need while they keep our communities safe. I named this bill after my mom, Brenda and I’m glad to see it pass!
- PROMOTING STEM EDUCATION: JROTC students actively learn important skills to create effective leaders of the future. As our nation’s job demands shift to a STEM focus, this amendment will give our JROTC students the knowledge and hands-on training they need to continue serving our country and meet the needs of the modern workforce.
I believe all of our domestic priorities — trade, the economy and education — are at risk if we fail to protect our great country. I’m glad the Armed Services Committee was able to come together for this bipartisan bill – and I hope this legislation makes our military and our country proud.
Please follow my daily work on social media by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. As always, feel free to reach out to my offices in Florida or Washington, D.C. if my team or I can ever be of service.
In Service,
Michael Waltz
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