Clermont Times

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) has cast his vote in favor of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the House floor. The bill, agreed upon by both the House and Senate, focuses on providing support for the military while eliminating controversial and divisive social policies.

"I am pleased to see our Congressional and Constitutional duties fulfilled with the final passage of this year's NDAA. This legislation gives our devoted servicemembers a well-deserved pay increase and enhances the effectiveness of our fighting force. This bill cuts and prohibits programs that inappropriately politicize the Armed Forces, including controversial policies like diversity, equity, and inclusion, and critical race theory," said Rep. Wenstrup.

The NDAA includes two provisions that Rep. Wenstrup championed. The first is the COVID-19 Vaccine Study for Active Duty Members, which requires the Department of Defense to assess and compare the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated members of the Armed Forces. This study aims to provide valuable information on the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on active-duty servicemembers.

The second provision is the Sensible Classification Act of 2023, which addresses the issue of over-classification within the Federal government. This act aims to streamline the classification and declassification process, promote seamless transitions for personnel joining and leaving the Public Interest Declassification Board, and conduct a study on the number of security clearances needed in federal agencies.

The NDAA also includes several other priorities, such as a 5.2% increase in basic pay for servicemembers, full funding for the National Guard's operation and deployment at the southwest border, and measures to address national security concerns. These measures include investigating any assistance from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to Mexican drug cartels, creating a Special Inspector General to oversee U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, and prohibiting funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the military.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from issuing costly greenhouse gas rules or prematurely deploying electric vehicles, mandates a full audit of all DOD agencies by the end of 2028, and prohibits DOD from contracting with any CCP owned or controlled company operating in the U.S.

In addition, the NDAA mandates an assessment of foreign control and influence over the supply chain for critical minerals and metals used for defense technologies and closes loopholes to prevent DOD funding of Confucius Institutes or contracting with consulting firms doing business with the CCP. Lastly, the bill prohibits DOD from contracting with EcoHealth Alliance for any research supported by the CCP.

Rep. Wenstrup's support for the NDAA reflects his commitment to providing for the military and prioritizing national security while eliminating destructive and divisive social policies. With the passage of this bill, servicemembers will receive the pay increase they deserve, and the Armed Forces will be free from politicization and controversial ideologies.

To learn more, click on this link: https://wenstrup.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=407981