Mark Alford: “I thank Chair Rogers for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this National Defense Authorization…”

“I thank Chair Rogers for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act. This year, under the leadership of Chairman Rogers, we have focused on three major components: enhancing U.S. deterrence, countering China's aggression, and improving the quality of life for our servicemembers. I think if I had to concentrate on one, it is that quality-of-life issue. I have been fortunate enough to be on the Quality of Life Panel, led by General Don Bacon. We are boosting compensation, improving housing, ensuring access to medical care, enhancing support for military spouses, and increasing access to childcare. Mr. Chair, we have a recruitment and retention problem in the military, and we are working to make things better to give our servicemembers and their families the respect they deserve and to try to increase our retention and recruitment. China's aggression is the greatest national security threat to America today. To deter China and other adversaries, we are investing in key platforms like the B-21 stealth Raider, which will eventually be housed at Whiteman Air Force Base. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the NDAA.”