Auburn Times

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, celebrates the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. This bill, which authorizes the budget and expenditures for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has been finalized and now awaits the President's signature to become law.

In his statement, Rep. Rogers highlights the importance of funding our defense in the face of increasing national security threats. He also expresses concern about the Biden Administration's attempts to use the military for leftist political initiatives. The NDAA aims to refocus the military on lethality and establish rigorous oversight on the Biden administration's DoD.

Alabama, in particular, has secured significant benefits from the NDAA. The bill includes measures that directly benefit the state, such as blocking the move of SPACECOM Headquarters to Colorado and providing a 5.2% pay raise for over 37,000 servicemembers stationed in Alabama.

Furthermore, the NDAA authorizes funding for various improvements and construction projects in Alabama. Some of the notable authorizations include:

- Over $16 million for improvements at the Anniston Army Depot, including a Component Rebuild Shop and an Access Control Point.

- $7 million to complete the construction of new enlisted barracks at Fort McClellan.

- $316.6 million in Military Construction Projects, including a Ground Test Facility at Redstone and new Military Family Housing at Maxwell.

- $41.2 million for new Barracks at Ft. Rucker.

These authorizations will not only enhance the defense capabilities of the state but also contribute to the economic growth and stability of Alabama.

In addition to these measures, the NDAA prohibits the retirement of KC-135 aircraft, preserving the footprint at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base. It also authorizes a grant program for infrastructure improvements at private shipyards, a request made by Alabama Shipyards.

The NDAA further supports the industrial base in Alabama, with $6 billion authorized for Columbia procurement and industrial base improvements benefiting Austal. The bill fully funds all Austal Navy shipbuilding projects.

Furthermore, the NDAA requires the Army to implement plans to improve telecommunication infrastructure at all Alabama National Guard installations. It also authorizes additional funding for Lakota helicopters used for training at Ft. Rucker and MH-139 helicopters for Maxwell Air Force Base.

Overall, the passage of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 marks a significant achievement for Rep. Mike Rogers and the state of Alabama. The bill's provisions not only prioritize national security and military readiness but also bring substantial benefits to Alabama's defense infrastructure and economy.

To find out more, go to this link: https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2017