National Defense Authorization Act Last week, I voted in support of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would authorize spending for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the 2023 fiscal year.     To keep our military the strongest in the world we must ensure they have the proper resources. This legislation invests in programs vital to our national defense, while pushing against woke policies that distract from the mission of our military – to keep us safe.   In addition to the military funding, the bill also authorizes a series of policy priorities and reforms within the DOD.   The Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA includes the following: Requires the DOD Inspector General to regularly carry out comprehensive reviews and audits of all assistance provided to Ukraine. A 4.6% pay increase for all service members and a 2.4% pay bonus for all enlisted personnel. Fully funds the National Guard’s operation and maintenance account that would support a border deployment. Ensures those discharged from the military for refusing the COVID vaccine receive an honorable discharge and full veteran benefits. Reverses dangerous cuts to our defense operations and weaponry.    Providing for our veterans and keeping Americans safe should never be a partisan issue and that starts with passing this critical piece of legislation in a timely manner.

H.R. 6538 – Firearm Discharge Alert Act – No Is redundant - states already have a system in place that can be utilized to issue alerts including active shooter emergencies. Only gives alerts when a firearm is discharged, it doesn’t include alerts for other instances of violence including bomb threats and other emergencies.  Has vague language and doesn’t define how close in proximity an individual should be to get an alert. This means folks could be receiving several alerts for situations that don’t apply to them.    S. 3373 – PACT Act of 2022 – No Has a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Score of $680 billion. Includes budget tactics which could allow for additional spending in unrelated programs without constraints.   H.R. 7900 – National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 – Yea Provides a 4.6% pay increase for all service members and a 2.4% pay bonus for enlisted personnel. Fully funds the National Guard’s operation and maintenance account to support a border deployment. Ensures those who are discharged from the military for refusing the COVID vaccine receive an honorable discharge and receive full veteran benefits. Requires for the DOD Inspector General to regularly carry out comprehensive reviews and audits of all assistance provided to Ukraine. H.R. 8296 – Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act – No Overrules all state pro-life laws, mandating a right to abortion for any reason at any stage of pregnancy right up until birth. This is far more radical than the law under Roe v. Wade, and is more extreme than the laws of most other countries. Is simply a political bill in the wake of the Dobbs ruling – a nearly identical bill already passed the House in September 2021. Limits protections for medical professionals and their right to refuse to participate in abortions even for religious reasons.   H.R. 8297 – Loopholes for Human Traffickers Act – No Undermines mandatory reporting laws in every state that require health professionals, social workers, and schools to report instances of child abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect which could be seen as delating or hindering access to an abortion. Undercuts parental consent for minors to travel across state lines and allows parents to be targeted by the federal government for delaying out of state travel to receive an abortion. Prohibits states from enforcing state laws regarding abortion.    H.R. 8351 – The Formula Act – Yea Allows tariff-free and quota-free importation of infant formula into the U.S. until December 31, 2022.  Designed to address the recent shortage of baby formula in the U.S. by increasing domestic supply.

Saturday, I attended a meeting in Ash Flat with area livestock farmers to hear their concerns regarding drought conditions. Our farmers are in a dire situation. Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward and I discussed the processes for relief at the state and federal levels. Secretary Ward and I committed to working together and working with the state legislature to help. Thank you to all who attended and asked questions and to the Nix family for hosting the event. Stacy and I continue to pray for rain and for relief for our farmers.

Bloomberg Government GOP Slams ‘Unchecked’ Inflation Shrinking Infrastructure Law  “The federal government doesn’t build roads, it gives funding to help build roads,” Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) said in a statement Thursday after he attended a separate event hosted by American Road & Transportation Builders Association. “The efficiency with which that money is delivered needs to be significantly improved. Your costs are rising every week and month that the U.S. Department of Transportation delays in getting that capital to you.”

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