The 60th Annual NDAA Supports A Robust U.S. Military

The Senate ‘Soundly Rejected’ A Radical Amendment Supported by Prominent Democrats To Slash Funding For Defense, And Then Advanced The Strong FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act To Protect America, Give A Raise To Our Troops, And Respond To Challenges From Our Adversaries
The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, With Broad Senate Support, Will Sustain And Enhance America’s Military And Strategic Deterrence

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “This week, the Senate will pass the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act. Every year, this legislation lets the Senate make our top priorities for protecting our homeland, our allies, and our global interests into law. And certainly, the recent behavior of our adversaries the world over shows why this task is as urgent as ever…. Amid these threats and many others, the American people and the entire free world look to the men and women of the U.S. military to preserve order and peace…. After years of cuts to our military that weakened readiness, imperiled modernization, and called into question our commitment to preserving our own global interests, we have reversed that tide. We’ve invested in strength. We built a new National Defense Strategy and are investing in rebuilding and modernizing our military to help achieve it. This legislation will carry the progress even further. More support for defense research and innovation… resources for military housing and healthcare… tools to deepen our commitments with regional partners in Europe and the Pacific.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks, 7/22/2020)

SEN. JIM INHOFE (R-OK), Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman: “[F]or 59 years in a row, Congress has passed the NDAA--almost always on a bipartisan basis. This year will be the 60th year in a row. I am proud to say the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act continues in that long bipartisan tradition…. [Recently], I talked a little bit about how we are falling behind China and Russia and how those two countries are now our biggest threats. I think we all know how that happened. It happened in the last 5 years of the Obama administration…. Fortunately, we have a strategy to counter them. It is called the National Defense Strategy…. It came out in late 2018. At that time, the military services had been implementing this plan with the support of Congress in previous NDAAs. This is the third year now that we have that. What we did this year was speed up the implementation. We set America on a course to make sure that we are setting ourselves up for success no matter what threat comes our way. We do that by using this document, the NDS, the National Defense Strategy Commission report. What this says is that we need to create a credible military deterrent that tells Russia and China and anyone else who would do us harm: You just can't win. We are going to win. We will beat you--no matter who you are out there. That is what this NDAA does. It says that we need to invest in the equipment, tools, weapons, resources, and training our troops need to succeed in their mission. We also make sure that they are in the right places and at the right time. That is what the NDAA … will do.” (Sen. Inhofe, Congressional Record, S.3640, 6/29/2020)

The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act Features A 3% Pay Raise For Our All-Volunteer Armed Forces, Hazard Pay For Those Assisting On Coronavirus Response, And ‘Policies That Improve The Well-Being And Resiliency Of Military Families’

“The FY21 NDAA supports the requested 3 percent pay raise for the military, and reauthorizes more than 30 types of bonuses and special pay.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

• “[T]he Senate Armed Services Committee recently approved a provision that would grant at least $150 per month of hazard pay for military personnel who have been conducting coronavirus-related missions. Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican, pushed to include the provision when the committee advanced the annual defense policy bill.” (“Senate Defense Bill Has Provision From Ernst Providing Coronavirus Hazard Pay For Guard Troops,” Omaha World-Herald, 6/26/2020)

“[T]he FY21 NDAA prioritizes programs and policies that improve the well-being and resiliency of military families. The legislation continues efforts to promote professional development opportunities for military spouses, by authorizing $4 million to assist with the development of interstate compacts on licensed occupations for military spouses through the cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments … continues efforts to provide military families with quality, affordable child care, adds funding for child development centers playground equipment and furniture to address safety issues … and authorizes additional funding to maintain the student-teacher ratios at DOD schools and increases funding for Impact Aid by a total of $70 million to support school districts educating military children, which includes $20 million for Impact Aid for children with severe disabilities.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

• “The FY21 NDAA continues stringent oversight and improves upon last year’s landmark reforms to military privatized housing, including: … Prohibits the service secretaries from leasing any substandard family housing, [and r]equires the Secretary of Defense to implement recommendations relating to military family housing issued in a report from the DOD Inspector General …” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

 This Year’s Defense Authorization Bill Continues Implementing The National Defense Strategy And Rebuilding Our Armed Forces ‘To Attain And Maintain An Asymmetric Military Advantage’

“After years of sustained conflict, underfunding, and budgetary uncertainty, Congress focused on rebuilding the military in the past two NDAAs. Progress has been made, but the work is not yet done…. This year’s NDAA focused heavily on prioritizing available resources to address the most worrying shortfalls and imminent threats.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

• “Two years ago, the National Defense Strategy (NDS) outlined our nation’s preeminent challenge: strategic competition with authoritarian adversaries that stand firmly against our shared American values of freedom, democracy, and peace— namely, China and Russia. These adversaries seek to shift the global order in their favor, at our expense…. The nature of warfare is changing, and America’s military superiority is in decline or in danger of declining in many areas…. The FY21 NDAA boldly sets policy and prudently aligns resources to achieve irreversible momentum in implementation of the NDS and ensure that America is able to prevent and, if necessary, win the wars not just of today, but tomorrow as well.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

• “Our national security rests on our ability to attain and maintain an asymmetric military advantage. Our supremacy in the seas, in the skies, in space, in cyberspace, and on land must be protected, and as we look to the future of warfare, joint capabilities that ensure the protection of the joint force are essential. The FY21 NDAA ensures the United States fields a force of the optimal size, structure, and strategy, capable of supporting the conflicts envisioned by the NDS. Unfortunately, in key technologies and capabilities, we’ve fallen behind our near-peer competitors. The FY21 NDAA accelerates innovation so we can compete effectively and regain our comparative advantage over China and Russia.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)
• “The FY21 NDAA continues to reinforce and accelerate implementation of the NDS. In doing so, the bill shifts our focus even more to the Indo-Pacific, our priority theater. Critically, the bill establishes the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance budgetary transparency and oversight, focus resources on capability gaps, reassures allies and partners, and restores the credibility of American deterrence in the region. The bill also emphasizes a combat-credible forward posture, making investments in posture, logistics, and intelligence capabilities, and preserves our nuclear deterrent by supporting our nuclear triad, command and control, and infrastructure. Strategic and steady support for our partners and allies provided for in the bill, including through security cooperation efforts, will strengthen the capabilities of our friends, and ensure the balance of power remains in our favor.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

 The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act Prioritizes Restoring And Enhancing American Advantages Over China And Russia And ‘Establishes The Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) To Send A Strong Signal To The Chinese Communist Party That America Is Deeply Committed To Defending Our Interests’

“Our supremacy in the seas, in the skies, in space, in cyberspace, and on land must be protected, and as we look to the future of warfare, joint capabilities that ensure the protection of the joint force are essential. The FY21 NDAA ensures the United States fields a force of the optimal size, structure, and strategy, capable of supporting the conflicts envisioned by the [National Defense Strategy]. Unfortunately, in key technologies and capabilities, we’ve fallen behind our near-peer competitors. The FY21 NDAA accelerates innovation so we can compete effectively and regain our comparative advantage over China and Russia.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

·         “The FY21 NDAA directs investments and implements policies that will maintain or expand our comparative advantage over China and Russia for key capabilities and technologies…. [The bill e]ncourages the development of our hypersonic weapons, as well as defenses against the hypersonic weapons of our competitors – an area of intense technological competition between the United States, China, and Russia — a key element of the NDS …” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

·         “Recognizing that a strong and secure nuclear deterrent will serve to counter threats from strategic competitors, the FY21 bill supports our nuclear triad, command and control, and infrastructure, and better aligns the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and DOD budget processes.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

“The FY21 NDAA establishes the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) to send a strong signal to the Chinese Communist Party that America is deeply committed to defending our interests in the Indo-Pacific. PDI will enhance budgetary transparency and oversight, focus resources on key military capability gaps, reassure U.S. allies and partners, and bolster the credibility of American deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The bill authorizes $1.4 billion for PDI in FY21, including $188.6 million above the budget request for Indo-Pacific requirements, such as missile defense, enhancing forward posture, and improving interoperability with allies and partners. The bill also authorizes a PDI topline of $5.5 billion for FY22, and directs the Secretary of Defense to create a spend plan for these resources.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

“Developing and strengthening mutually beneficial alliances and partnerships is a key tenet of the National Defense Strategy. As such, the NDAA includes numerous provisions to support America’s allies and partners, build new relationships, and ensure our global network is well-positioned to counter existing and emergent threats. The bill supports DOD’s security cooperation efforts to strengthen the capabilities of international partners, particularly in the Middle East, to combat terrorism so the United States can enhance its focus on NDS priorities.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

• “[The FY21 NDAA e]xpresses commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and supports deepened bilateral ties, [c]ommemorates the 25th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations and encourages the U.S. and Vietnam to upgrade their relationship to a strategic partnership … [p]rovides $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine, requires a long-term plan for assistance to Ukraine, and supports NATO designation of Ukraine as an ‘enhanced opportunities partner’ …” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

The Defense Authorization Bill For Fiscal Year 2021 Includes Provisions To Strengthen American Military Capabilities And Weapons And Seeks To Provide U.S. Superiority On Land, On The Sea, In The Air, In Space, And In Cyberspace

“Supports Army prioritization of multi-domain capabilities, such as long-range precision fires and increased soldier lethality, Better enables operations within the Multi-domain Task Force to support planning for the future of warfare against near-peer competitors, to improve all-domain integration, and to better penetrate adversaries’ vulnerabilities, Increases investments in Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, a top Army modernization priority ($5 million above the request), and support ongoing development of future vertical lift capabilities.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

“Expresses a sense of the Senate on actions necessary to implement the national policy of the United States to have available as soon as practicable not fewer than 355 battle force ships. Authorizes $21.3 billion for shipbuilding — $1.4 billion above the request … Provides multi-ship contract authority for up to two Columbia -class submarines, three San Antonio-class amphibious ships, and one America-class amphibious ship …” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

“Establishes a minimum number of aircraft for each major mission area in the U.S. Air Force and prohibits the divestment of aircraft until the minima are reached to ensure that Air Force can meet NDS and combatant command requirements: Prohibits divestment of A-10 aircraft … Requires the Air Force to have no fewer than 386 available operational squadrons or equivalent organizational units … Provides dedicated Air Superiority aircraft in the EUCOM theater and limits divestment of F-15C aircraft in the theater … Authorizes $9.1 billion to procure 95 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, an additional 14 aircraft above the administration’s request, enabling the forces to modernize and equip themselves with the most advanced and capable fifth-generation aircraft.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

“Includes 11 recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, established in the FY19 NDAA, including: Improving cyber resiliency of nuclear command and control systems, A modification to fortify the Strategic Cybersecurity program and further cyber vulnerability assessment of weapons systems … Improves cyber readiness … by: Improving the training and retention of highly qualified cyber personnel, including providing Cyber Command with the same hiring authority for technical talent as exists at DARPA, the Strategic Capabilities Office, and the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, and by allowing for pay that is more competitive with commercial industry.”

“Directs the Space Force to continue working with research institutions to establish critical research infrastructure and develop the future workforce, Encourages the establishment of a space training and readiness command … Continues development of the space technology base, including launch vehicles and responsive launch, and recognizes the maturity of reusable space launch capability, Authorizes increased funding for space domain awareness, launch development, and space-based surveillance capability …” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

“The FY21 NDAA authorizes increases for weapons procurement programs that will be used to support NDS requirements, for a total of $3.7 billion, which is $48.8 million above the request.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

In Addition, The Bill Maintains Long-Standing Provisions Keeping Terrorist Detainees At Secure Facilities In Guantanamo Bay

“The FY21 NDAA continues long-standing provisions that prohibit the use of DOD funds to: Transfer or release individuals detained at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to the United States, Transfer or release individuals detained at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Libya, Somalia, Syria, or Yemen, Construct or modify facilities in the U.S. to house detainees transferred from U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Close or abandon U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Relinquish control of Guantanamo Bay to the Republic of Cuba, Implement a modification to the treaty that would close U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.” (“Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act,” U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 6/23/2020)

In Sharp Contrast, Senate Democratic Leaders And Former Democratic Presidential Candidates Backed An Extreme Amendment From Sen. Bernie Sanders To ‘Defund The Pentagon’

23 Democrats voted for the Sanders amendment to slash the Pentagon budget by 10 percent. (S. 4049, Roll Call Vote #135: Amendment Rejected 23-77, R 0-53, D 22-23, I 1-1, 7/22/2020)

·         Senate Democratic Leadership members including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) voted for the Sanders amendment. (S. 4049, Roll Call Vote #135: Amendment Rejected 23-77, R 0-53, D 22-23, I 1-1, 7/22/2020, Schumer, Durbin, Murray, and Baldwin Voted Yea)

·         Former 2020 presidential candidates Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) voted for the Sanders amendment. (S. 4049, Roll Call Vote #135: Amendment Rejected 23-77, R 0-53, D 22-23, I 1-1, 7/22/2020, Booker, Gillibrand, Klobuchar, Sanders, and Warren Voted Yea)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT): “Defund the Pentagon: The Liberal Case” (Sen. Sanders, Op-Ed, “Defund the Pentagon: The Liberal Case,” Politico Magazine, 7/16/2020)

·         SEN. SANDERS: “It’s time to put #PeopleOverPentagon. I will be on the Senate floor today at 11:20 AM to fight for our amendment to defund the Pentagon …” (Sen. Sanders, @SenSanders, Twitter, 7/22/2020)

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): “Proud I fought alongside [Sen.] Sanders to ensure we vote in July on his amendment to cut $740B defense budget by 10% … I proudly support the amendment” (Sen. Schumer, @SenSchumer, Twitter, 7/10/2020)

Leader McConnell: ‘Senator Sanders’ Amendment Would Literally Decimate The Defense Budget. It Would Rip 10 Percent Of It Right Out And Pour The Money Into All The Usual Socialist Fantasies’

“The Senate soundly rejected a stiff cut to military spending Wednesday — the second time in as many days that Congress has turned back a broad-based reduction backed by progressive lawmakers. The vote was 23-77 on an amendment from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to cut 10 percent from the $741 billion National Defense Authorization Act, S. 4049 (116). … Sanders’ measure, offered with several progressive Democrats, would redirect the money to a raft of education, health care, housing and other programs they argue need the money far more than the defense budget, which they slammed as bloated and unaccountable.” (“Senate Rejects 10 Percent Cut To Military Budget,” Politico, 7/22/2020)

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “For most Americans, investing in the greatest fighting force in world history is not controversial. It’s a no-brainer. But lest we forget, the radical energy on the far left is sparking some truly extraordinary behavior among our Democratic colleagues. Case in point. [T]oday, we [voted] on an amendment that was advertised in an opinion essay by the junior Senator from Vermont titled: ‘Defund the Pentagon: the liberal case.’ … We’ve moved on from defunding local police to defunding the United States Armed Forces…. Senator Sanders’ amendment would literally decimate the defense budget. It would rip 10 percent of it right out and pour the money into all the usual socialist fantasies -- free rent, free college, free everything for everyone…. Defense spending demonstrates our will to defend ourselves and our interests in a dangerous world. Keeping our nation safe is our foremost constitutional duty. We cannot shirk it. My colleagues who profess concern over Putin’s efforts to interfere in our politics, or Xi’s efforts to rewrite the rules of the international system, must know that we will never be able to deter such behavior if we sell our own soldiers short and surrender our technological edge. I assure you, Beijing and Moscow will be watching this vote.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks, 7/22/2020)

• SEN. McCONNELL: “What is remarkable is that the Democratic Leader, the leader of their caucus, felt pressured into endorsing [this proposal]…. The Democratic Leader, who in almost every floor speech tries to accuse this administration of being too soft on America’s adversaries, wants to literally decimate our defense budget to finance a socialist spending spree.” (Sen. McConnell, Remarks, 7/22/2020)

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