Press Releases
Webster Supports Passage of Key Defense Bill
December 8, 2022
Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement on his vote to pass H.Res. 1512, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA), which rescinds the Covid vaccine mandate, invests in servicemembers, increases accountability and strengthens security to deter Chinese aggression.
“Today, I voted in support of the FY23 NDAA, which provides our men and women in uniform with the tools, support, and financial resources necessary to protect our nation. A big win in this bill is that it rescinds the COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed on our service members. I have opposed and fought to repeal this mandate since day one and will continue to work to restore our men and women to the positions they should have never lost. It also includes important policies to deter Chinese aggression, including prohibitions on DOD and its contractors from procuring Chinese made goods and materials as well as improved tracking of Chinese companies and universities that are working with the Chinese military. Oversight and accountability of aid provided to Ukraine is also strengthened in this bill.
“The U.S. Constitution states that providing for the ‘common defense’ is one of our fundamental responsibilities. Thanks to Republican negotiators, this bill is a step in the right direction to provide our military training and resources they need to continue being the world’s finest fighting force. By reversing President Biden’s proposed budget cuts to defense spending, the NDAA strengthens our national security, affirms relations with our allies like Taiwan, and ensures the United States can effectively counter adversaries like China. Our freedom, our families, and our way of life would not exist if not for our military.”
The FY23 NDAA:
“Today, I voted in support of the FY23 NDAA, which provides our men and women in uniform with the tools, support, and financial resources necessary to protect our nation. A big win in this bill is that it rescinds the COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed on our service members. I have opposed and fought to repeal this mandate since day one and will continue to work to restore our men and women to the positions they should have never lost. It also includes important policies to deter Chinese aggression, including prohibitions on DOD and its contractors from procuring Chinese made goods and materials as well as improved tracking of Chinese companies and universities that are working with the Chinese military. Oversight and accountability of aid provided to Ukraine is also strengthened in this bill.
“The U.S. Constitution states that providing for the ‘common defense’ is one of our fundamental responsibilities. Thanks to Republican negotiators, this bill is a step in the right direction to provide our military training and resources they need to continue being the world’s finest fighting force. By reversing President Biden’s proposed budget cuts to defense spending, the NDAA strengthens our national security, affirms relations with our allies like Taiwan, and ensures the United States can effectively counter adversaries like China. Our freedom, our families, and our way of life would not exist if not for our military.”
The FY23 NDAA:
- Provides a 4.6% pay raise for service members and other financial assistance to help offset record inflation.
- Includes essential provisions to help counter adversaries such as China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
- Supports key partners, such as Israel and Taiwan.
- Ensures oversight and accountability by requiring the DoD, State Department and USAID Inspector Generals to routinely conduct comprehensive reviews and audits of aid provided to Ukraine.
- Reverses cuts in President Biden’s request to combat ships and set the U.S. back on track for a 355-ship navy.
- Reinforces parents’ rights over the education of their children who are attending DoD schools
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