Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker recently voted to pass the U.S. Senate’s version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Unlike the House version that was passed along party lines, the NDAA passed an with overwhelming bipartisan support which included several key previsions authored by the Garden State lawmakers.
Both Senator’s released statements in support of the bill, which provides critical funding of nearly $900 billion in maintaining the nation’s national security interests along with providing much needed resources for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
Menendez Statements
“I proudly voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 – bipartisan legislation that invests in our national security and provides the Department of Defense with the necessary resources to execute our National Defense Strategy,” said Menendez.
“This bill will deliver a 5.2% pay raise for both military service members and the DOD’s civilian workforce, bolster the Impact Aid for military children with severe disabilities, and ensure equitable housing rates for junior enlisted members in markets with limited housing inventory,” he said. “These measures will bolster our civilian military workforce, upholding our commitment to support our men and women in uniform, both domestically and abroad.”
Foreign Relations Priorities
Menendez said the bill contained critical legislation on several domestic priorities he has championed during this Congress, including the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act, “the largest effort to improve our nation’s ability to conduct research and gather data on the cancer risks associated with firefighting. It’s a vital program that will further our understanding of how to protect the brave first responders who work every day to keep our communities safe.”
Additionally, the 69-year-old noted the priorities of that U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he heads were addressed in the NDAA, including modernizing the State Department for 21st century challenges, advancing a security partnership between Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., and providing resources for families advocating for the release of loved ones wrongfully or unlawfully detained abroad and supporting children with disabilities around the world.
“I take great pride in the transformative priorities we were able to bolster our foreign policy objectives and counter our adversaries’ influence worldwide,” said the Hudson County lawmaker. “As a Member of Congress, we have a sacred responsibility to support our troops, keep our communities safe, and invest in our national security. I thank partners from both sides of the aisle for supporting many of my priorities in this historic legislation and for helping safeguard Americans in New Jersey and all across the nation.”
Spending Concerns
Booker offered his strong support for the provisions that includes providing service members with a well-deserved pay raise; improve access to housing, health care, and other resources for troops and their families; and continue to support the U.S. allies in Ukraine fighting to preserve and protect their democracy from “Vladimir Putin’s illegal and unjust war.”
But the former Newark mayor criticised the continued pattern of annually increasing the Pentagon’s budget beyond what the Department of Defense requests and without completing a comprehensive audit to reduce existing levels of financial waste and mismanagement.
“Congress cannot continue to resist strengthening oversight, increasing transparency, and improving accountability at the Pentagon,” said Booker.
Booker’s Critique
“In addition, I remain concerned about the disconnect between unchecked military spending and the lack of investments in— and even proposed cuts to—diplomacy abroad and programs that help the American people here at home. Our constituents deserve robust investments in our schools, health care, and housing,” Booker said.
Additionally, the Democrat offered “it defies common sense” the bill limits the department’s ability to promote greater diversity in its ranks, particularly in senior positions in the military, when “our enlisted force is increasingly diverse.”
“Diversity is a source of strength at every level of the military,” said Booker. “We must do better in delivering a defense authorization bill that responsibly protects and promotes the United States’ interests and values.”
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