NASHVILLE, TN—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, today applauded passage of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the Senate floor. The legislation supports our Nation’s brave service members, strengthens America’s national security, and ensures significant investments in the State of Tennessee.
“Equipping our service members to effectively defend our homeland is one of Congress’ most paramount responsibilities,” said Senator Hagerty. “This legislation not only increases pay for our honorable men and women in uniform, rescinds the COVID vaccine mandate for the military, and bolsters our national defense, but it also contains critical investments in Tennessee. I’m pleased the Senate passed this legislation that will enable the Volunteer State to remain at the forefront of protecting our Nation and strengthening America’s national security at a pivotal time. Lastly, I want to congratulate my friend and outgoing Senator, Jim Inhofe, on an outstanding final work product and even more outstanding career.”
Passage of this NDAA marks the 62nd consecutive year that Congress has passed this authorization, which provides a 4.6 percent pay increase for service members. It includes significant investments in U.S. nuclear modernization and rejects President Biden’s misguided proposals that would weaken American security. Additionally, the legislation seeks to revitalize our domestic munitions industrial base. Importantly, the legislation strengthens the United States’ posture toward Communist China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia, including investments to improve U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hagerty secured critical priorities for the State of Tennessee, including:
- Authorizes a 4.6 percent pay raise for Tennessee service members
- Authorizes $492 million for the Oak Ridge nuclear reservation, including key projects at the Y-12 National Security Complex
- Fully authorizes all U.S. nuclear modernization programs and increases support for nuclear infrastructure, including domestic uranium enrichment capabilities at the Y-12 National Security Complex
- Includes extensive reporting requirements to understand how to revitalize munitions industrial base, including Holston Ammunitions Plant in Kingsport, Tennessee
- Authorizes various critical research and development projects across Tennessee, which will ensure our service members have the best capabilities in the world
- Authorizes critical construction projects at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tennessee, which will bolster American hypersonic capabilities
- Authorizes two key National Guard Construction Projects that will enhance readiness—one at McGhee-Tyson Airport and one at the Smyrna Volunteer Training Site
- Authorizes funding to complete the Vehicle Maintenance Shop at Fort Campbell
- Ensures that the Department of Defense is able to maintain their underground training facilities
- Includes important provisions to bolster the intelligence community workforce
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