John Cornyn: “as the Senate knows, this week we will complete our work on the 60th National Defense Authorization Act-- actually, 60…”

“as the Senate knows, this week we will complete our work on the 60th National Defense Authorization Act-- actually, 60 years in a row. For decades, this legislation has provided the opportunity for us to take stock of the evolving threat landscape and ensure that our national defense is prepared to meet the challenges on the horizon. As technological advancements have changed battlefield tactics, each year's NDAA has allowed us to invest in a modernized force and advanced weapons. As risks in cyber space emerged as a new vector for warfare, this legislation has allowed us to invest in resilient networks and a talented workforce. As the global order has shifted, this annual bill has given us the opportunity to identify the greatest threats to our country and to take strategic action. This year's national defense authorization bill is no exception. It continues to invest in a modernized national defense that is critical to maintaining peace through strength. That is something we need to remember, which Ronald Reagan taught all of us. Weakness is provocative. Bullies look for opportunities to take advantage of weakness. It is strength in our leadership, particularly with our military, that helps us maintain the peace. This bill also devotes resources to regain our competitive advantage over our greatest opponents to freedom and democracy today, including China and the Communist Party.…”