WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Max Miller applauded the passage of the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the House of Representatives. This comprehensive legislation included many of Miller’s priorities that will boost servicemember pay by the highest level in 20 years, cement Ohio’s critical role in American national security, strengthen our national defense, increase oversight, counter Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression and restore the focus of our military on lethality. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 219 – 210.

“Providing for America’s defense is Congress’s most important constitutional duty,” said Congressman Miller. “While this bill was not perfect, I was proud to stand with my colleagues who overwhelmingly supported this legislation that ensures our military is the greatest, most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen.”

“The NDAA is one of the most important bills that Congress passes every year, and this year’s legislation sends a strong message to our allies and our adversaries that the United States will continue to be the dominant power on the global stage,” concluded Congressman Miller.

Congressman Miller’s amendments included in the final text of the bill will:

• Express that the United States is dangerously dependent upon foreign adversaries for the procurement of natural rubber, ensuring rubber becomes a national strategic priority and bolstering our national and economic security,
• Prohibit the Department of Defense for paying or reimbursing for abortions or travel for abortions, and
• Prohibit the Air Force from decommissioning KC-135 Stratotankers in FY24, which will protect the National Guard’s footprint in Ohio.

Highlights of the FY24 NDAA include:

• $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs, an increase of $28 billion over the FY23 enacted level,
• Opens new opportunities for small businesses to work with the Federal government,
• Over 15 bipartisan recommendations to counter China focused on deterrence, strengthening Homeland Defense, Preventing CCP Espionage, and supporting Taiwan and Pacific Allies,
• Audits and oversight of Ukraine Security Assistance, cracks down on waste, and enhances Congressional Oversight of DoD Programs,
• Provides a path back to service for the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for failing to take the COVID-19 vaccine,
• A 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years,
• Reduces Department of Defense childcare fees, supports military spouses, and authorizes funding for housing, while enhancing healthcare for service members.
• Strengthens our nuclear posture, improves our missile defense, and accelerates the delivery of hypersonic technology to deter the rapidly expanding CCP and Russian nuclear and hypersonic arsenals,
• Bans Critical Race Theory (CRT), prohibits drag shows on military property, and protects parental rights in education,
• Directs DoD to inform Congress on how it will utilize, transfer, or donate to border states unused border wall materials, fully funds the National Guard’s account to support a border deployment.

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