James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
Floor Speech
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Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
First off, the bill is a win for servicemembers, providing a 4.6 percent pay raise, increased funding for basic housing allowances, and improved women's healthcare.
The bill also authorizes a range of critical provisions to address strategic challenges from China and Russia.
We provide $6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, all of which is much-needed support for Ukraine and our NATO allies and partners.
As chair of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, I am proud of the bipartisan work of our subcommittee members, including historic reforms to the defense intelligence enterprise, Special Operations Forces, and our approach to the issue of civilian harm.
The bill authorizes up to $50 million to support NATO Special Operations Headquarters, an effort that will improve relationships among Special Operations Forces of NATO countries.
It also establishes an oversight framework for information operations, ensuring that Congress is notified no later than 48 hours after DOD approves a new military information support operation, and the bill delivers on our commitment to address civilian harm.
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Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, it requires the establishment of a civilian protection center of excellence and provides $25 million to implement the civilian harm mitigation response plan.
Finally, and more importantly, I thank my subcommittee ranking member, Trent Kelly, for his contribution to this bill and his strong bipartisan work.
I also thank my subcommittee staff, Shannon Green, Craig Greene, Will Braden, and Patrick Nevins, and, of course, my MLA Michelle Shevin- Coetzee and defense fellow Charlie Juhl.
Mr. Speaker, it is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
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