Hoyer Statement on House Passage of the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023:
"I was pleased to join my House colleagues in passing the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act earlier today. This annual bill is critical to ensuring our national security and to supporting the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. Chairman Adam Smith, Ranking Member Mike Rogers, and their colleagues and staff on the House Armed Services Committee worked tirelessly to build bipartisan consensus on this legislation, and I appreciate their efforts.
"This year's NDAA authorizes many programs essential to securing our national defense and to maintaining our commitment to defending democracy and supporting our allies and partners abroad. Crucially, it bolsters our ability to counter the strategic challenges posed by China's authoritarian policies, and it reaffirms our support to the people of Ukraine as they continue to resist Vladimir Putin's criminal invasion of their sovereign nation. Additionally, this legislation will strengthen our bonds with key allies in NATO and throughout the world. Not only do these alliances help ensure our safety; they also help protect the supply chains upon which our economy depends. This bipartisan measure also secures an important 4.6% cost-of-living raise for our servicemembers and federal employees at the Department of Defense. I find President Biden's pledge to extend this increase to all federal employees in 2023 encouraging, and I will continue advocating for this pay parity in the meantime.
"Although this NDAA required much time and negotiation, I am glad Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to pass it before the end of the Congress – just as we have done in past years. I appreciate House Democrats' leadership throughout this process, and I hope to see President Biden sign it into law without delay."