Congressman Matt Gaetz Applauds $525 Million for Northwest Florida’s Military Mission in NDAA

Washington, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) today applauded the House Armed Services Committee's (HASC) passage of the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included much needed relief for service members struggling under inflation as well as funding for research and development for advanced munitions technology.

During yesterday's 16-hour markup, Rep. Gaetz secured over $525 Million for the Northwest Florida Military Mission. The NDAA now heads to the House floor for final passage.

In addition to aide and support for our service members, Rep. Gaetz also successfully led HASC Republicans - by flipping 2 Democrat votes - in defeating an unnecessary, woke amendment by Rep. Anthony Brown (MD-04), which would have required defense contractors to report on the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of their board of directors and submit their plans on diversity. To read more on the effort, click on the following Breitbart article titled, "Matt Gaetz Sinks Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Amendment to Defense Bill: 'This is the Double down on Wokeness in the Military.'"

Additionally, Rep. Gaetz was joined by physicians who serve on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) and Ronny Jackson (TX-13), in introducing amendments to end vaccine mandates in the military, recognized natural immunity, and reinstate service members with backpay and rank.

Unfortunately, Democrats in the Majority were joined by Rep. Liz Cheney (WY-01), in opposing the Gaetz, DesJarlais, Jackson amendments. Rep. Gaetz commits to reintroducing these amendments for full consideration in the House.

Furthermore, although Democrats on the Committee relentlessly defended vaccine mandates in the military, Rep. Gaetz and HASC Republicans supported and passed an amendment offered by Rep. DesJarlais that states the Secretary of Defense may not implement a requirement for contractors of the Department of Defense to receive a COVID-19 vaccine until a report is conducted on the effects of the mandates on contractors.

In response to the NDAA passing out of Committee, Rep. Gaetz issued the following statement:

"Northwest Florida's Military Mission is essential to America's national security. Northwest Floridians take great pride in their contributions to the defense of our nation. The funding secured in this legislation is a testament to that spirit and ensures our military mission and community will continue to thrive. This legislation also provides much needed relief to our service members who are suffering under Joe Biden's inflation."

Background information on the additional provisions Rep. Gaetz secured in the FY2023 NDAA can be found immediately below.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range received over $140 million for expansive modernization of the range's test instruments, infrastructure, and threat emitters to replicate adversary electronic warfare capabilities. The range will be upgraded and funded to be a center of hypersonic weapons testing, leading the Department of Defense's efforts to close the capabilities gap with China and Russia.

Northwest Florida private-sector employers will also see programs they support funded and expanded. Fort Walton Beach and Crestview are home to two important suppliers for the CH-47 Block II program, Fort Walton Machining and Crestview Aerospace (formerly Vertex). The CH-47 Block II received a $216 Million plus up, sponsored by Rep. Gaetz, to produce 3 additional aircraft. Additionally, Niceville-based Integrated Solutions for Systems supports novel 3D printing for armament components and anticipates expansion due to a $5 million budget enhancement sponsored by Rep. Gaetz.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate on Eglin is at the cutting edge of developing future weapons design and testing solutions. Rep. Gaetz sponsored and secured $8 Million for developing new strategies for advanced munitions technology via the energetics industry and digital engineering solutions for advanced weapons testing. These programs will connect the defense sector with private industry and academia.

The National Naval Aviation Museum and Barrancas National Cemetery on Naval Air Station Pensacola are national treasures that must be reopened to the public. Rep. Gaetz sponsored an amendment that directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide his plan to reopen to the public by March 1, 2023.

Finally, our service members are struggling under the weight of Joe Biden's crippling inflation. Rep. Gaetz supported a spending increase to provide much needed relief to our troops, securing $800 Million for a 2.4% inflation pay bonus for service members making under $45,000 and additional $250 Million to reduce the cost of groceries at the commissary.

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