On the recordOctober 11, 2022
Mr. President, I rise to discuss the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. In a few minutes, I will bring up this bill, which the Armed Services Committee passed by a broad bipartisan vote of 23 to 3 in June. I am glad we have the opportunity to consider the NDAA on the Senate floor. We are at a critical period in our Nation's security, and this bill will help ensure our military has the tools and capabilities it needs to combat threats around the globe and keep Americans safe. First, I would like to acknowledge Ranking Member Inhofe, whose leadership on this committee and in this body has been invaluable. His commitment to our men and women in uniform is unwavering, and he was instrumental in helping produce this bipartisan legislation. In honor of his well-earned retirement, I am pleased that the committee voted to name this year's bill the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act. As we discuss the NDAA, we must keep in mind that the United States is engaged in a long-term strategic competition with China and Russia. Beijing poses the primary potential threat to our national security, as the only country in the world with the economic and technological capacity to mount a sustained challenge to our interests. And, as we have seen with disturbing clarity, Putin has demonstrated his willingness to inflict violence and undermine global world order for his own benefit. The importance of U.S. support for the Ukrainian people cannot be overstated.…





