Dear Friend,
Last Friday, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which authorizes $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs. As a Member of Congress, my most important duty is to provide for our national security, and I was proud to support this legislation that gives the brave men and women of our military the resources necessary to defend our freedom around the world.
This year’s NDAA hardens America’s industrial base and enhances military readiness to ensure that our modern warfighters are the best equipped and trained in the world. Along with giving our servicemembers a 5.2% pay raise, the legislation supports our servicemembers and their families, boosts oversight of the Biden Administration’s Department of Defense, and saves taxpayers $40 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary and harmful Pentagon bureaucracy while still investing in a secure defense industrial base and innovative technologies to support our national defense. As threats continue to develop from our adversaries in China and Russia, the NDAA enhances U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthens military cybersecurity, fully funds the modernization of our nuclear triad and missile defense priorities, accelerates the deployment of advanced radars to counter threats to our homeland, and reaffirms our support to the defense of Taiwan.
Some additional highlights of the NDAA: - Supports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years.
- Authorizes over $240 million to reduce servicemember out-of-pocket housing expenses and counteract the skyrocketing cost of rent.
- Provides assistance to the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for failing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and gives them a path back to service.
- Strengthens our nuclear posture, improves our missile defense, and accelerates the delivery of hypersonic technology to deter the rapidly expanding Chinese Communist Party and Russian nuclear and hypersonic arsenals.
- Supports rapidly deploying innovative new technologies our warfighters need to prevail on future battlefields.
- Prevents taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions, pushes back on the radical woke ideology being forced on our servicemen and women, and restores the focus of our military on lethality.
Click here for a full breakdown the NDAA. |
Last week, I had an insightful discussion with Kevin O'Leary about the Employee Retention Tax Credit. I always appreciate meeting with industry leaders to better understand how Congress can implement efficient policies to help grow our economy. |
It was great to attend the Health Innovation Expo 2023 put on by the Healthcare Leadership Council last week. This event gave me the opportunity to speak with representatives from Leidos, Johnson & Johnson, City of Hope, and Ontada about their exciting work in healthcare innovations and technologies. It was an honor to receive the Healthcare Leadership Council Award as well for my work in Congress to support patient-centered medical progress. Below are a few pictures from the event: |
Last week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Griffin native Captain Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), to my office. ALPA represents more than 74,000 airline pilots in the United States and Canada – and Captain Ambrosi has led their association since October 2022. We discussed upcoming legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. |
Thank you to Chairman of the National Cohesion Committee Kim Han-Gil and others from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for stopping in to meet. Our discussion was focused on how we can work to better the business and diplomatic relations between the United States and South Korea. |
Representatives from Pohang Iron and Steel (POSCO) – a South Korean steelmaker – recently came by my office to discuss their plan to invest in U.S. electric steel production to support American car manufacturers. |
Ferguson supports bill that includes pay raise for troops, enhanced military readiness
Insider Advantage | by Cindy Morley July 17, 2023
U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-GA, says the passage of H.R. 2670 – the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 – will mean a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members which is the largest pay raise in over 20 years.
Late last week, the House passed the legislation by a 219-210 vote, The resolution authorizes $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs – an increase of $28 billion over the Fiscal Year 2023 enacted level and enhances military readiness.
Click here to read the full article. |
Ferguson issues statement on military spending
Times-Georgian | By Noah Schroyer July 17, 2023
Congressman Drew Ferguson released a statement regarding the passing of H.R. 2670 The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 which passed in the House by a vote of 219-210. The bill authorized $886.3 Billion to go towards national defense discretionary programs which is an increase of $28 billion over the Fiscal Year 2023 amount.
Click here to read the full article. |
This week, the House will consider the following pieces of legislation on the floor:
S. 111 - Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act
H.R. 1418 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023
H.R. 813 - Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023
H.R. 752 - Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2023
H.J. Res. 68 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on October 27, 2006
H.J. Res. 70 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 25, 2011
H.J. Res. 74 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 16, 2012
H.J. Res. 71 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 22, 2003
H.J. Res. 79 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 11, 2004
H.R. 3941 - Schools Not Shelters Act
H.R. 3935 - Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act
As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to keep track of upcoming legislation and events! |
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Sincerely,
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Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress
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