Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, delivered remarks on the Senate floor calling for action on the National Defense Authorization Act amid rising threats to the United States and escalating global tensions. Joining Senator Capito were Republican members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC), including SASC Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Senator Capito’s floor remarks, as prepared for delivery, are included below:

“Mr/Madame President —

“I rise today to address something that is not getting the time it deserves on the Senate floor, and that is the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

“The National Defense Authorization Act, or the NDAA as we call it, is an annual display of support for the national security of our country here in Congress. In fact, we have passed the NDAA for sixty-three consecutive years.

“This bipartisan legislation supports our troops, supports our national security, and strengthens the capabilities of the U.S. military. In a time when we face the most dangerous security environment since World War 2, the NDAA should be one of our top legislative priorities.

“But unfortunately, Leader Schumer doesn’t seem to agree, and with the support of my Democrat colleagues, Leader Schumer has spent much of the summer on messaging votes that were crafted with no true intention of making a law, nominations to federal entities, and confirmation of radical judges that have no business serving on a federal bench.

“That is not what the American people have sent us here to do.

“The urgent need to pass the NDAA becomes obvious when you take into account what is currently happening in the world around us. First, our ally and friend Israel is under attack by Iran and its terrorist clients.

“Last week, we welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu for a joint address to Congress, and he detailed the stark reality his country is facing. Just a few days ago, we learned devastating news that twelve children and teenagers were killed by a Hezbollah strike while innocently playing on a soccer field.

“We know that Iran is behind these attacks and doing all they can to grow their nuclear capabilities as well. Imagine a nuclear-armed Iran's dangers and what that means for stability in the Middle East.

“The last 24 hours alone have shown how rapidly changing Middle East security environment is changing. Israel shows it has willpower and capability to fight back against aggressors; I stand strongly in support with our ally in this fight.

“Second: there is large-scale ground war in Europe for first time since World War 2; Putin’s territorial ambitions extend far beyond Ukraine.

“Third: witnessing unprecedented military buildup by China accompanied by aggressions against Taiwan Philippines Japan other partners region; Chinese aggression South China Sea threatened spark dangerous conflict Philippines mutual defense treaty US

“And just five days ago two Chinese Russian nuclear-capable bombers detected near coast Alaska prompting US fighter jets intercept aircraft; first time seen type joint strategic bombing training between China Russia ‘no limits’ partnership

“Throughout all this watching China Russia Iran North Korea reinforce one another aggression supporting sharing resources achieve objectives directly opposed US way life values If doesn’t raise alarm bells don’t know what will

“On top this National Defense Commission charged assessing nation’s preparedness future conflict gave pretty stark warning week which was: The US facing most challenging threats seen since 1945 aren’t ready

“According report Biden National Defense Strategy simply doesn’t prepare deter prevail future conflict According headline Pentagon ‘insufficient forces inadequate face China Russia’

“We cannot wait get serious about national security

"Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Wicker understands why released proposal help repair anemic military lowest number aircraft ships munitions China highest

“It clear now time invest military personnel capabilities send clear message both allies adversaries passing strong robust NDAA

"American leadership world stage long defined ‘peace through strength’ But order must invest strength first

“NDAA authorizes programs Department Defense needs replenish grow military stockpiles invest innovation modernization programs need future fight

“NDAA make critical upgrades nuclear hypersonic missile defense space programs restore ‘arsenal democracy’ ensuring country’s ammo plants tools need modernize amid increasing demand munitions facilities Allegany Ballistics Laboratory proudly operates state West Virginia

“It also invests directly men women military providing 4.5% pay raise service members increasing monthly pay junior enlisted troops well

“I worked secure provisions NDAA support upgrades operations Air National Guard facilities like 130th Airlift Wing Charleston West Virginia direct US Army move forward testing fielding Active Protection Systems Army ground combat vehicles implement lessons learned watching failure Russian tanks Ukraine some testing done West Virginia

“That support resilience undersea cables used Department Defense make certain critical missions disrupted Provisions move country away reliance foreign sources critical precursor chemicals used manufacture US weapons

“These handful provisions included NDA speak importance legislation steps need take now make sure military remains ready any conflict may face future

"The crux issue House Representatives passed version June 14th Senate Armed Services Committee approved day before heard absolutely nothing Democratic Leader bring vital legislation floor debate consideration 

"While Democrats continue waste American people show votes inconsequential nominees Republicans continue demand action Republicans continue point out danger sidelining national security priorities 

"There desperate need American leadership world stage strong bipartisan helps get there encourage colleagues other side aisle recognize that.

With yield floor."

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