December 18, 2023
Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Lucas voted in favor of the legislation.
“Once again, House Republicans have delivered on the 63-year tradition of passing a bipartisan agreement to fulfill one of Congress’s most important duties: supporting America’s service men and women and strengthening our national security.
The FY 2024 NDAA will support Oklahoma installations and military families, defend our national security interests, and provide necessary oversight of funding to ensure American tax dollars are accounted for.
I applaud House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers for his efforts in passing this legislation and ensuring it includes critical funding for Oklahoma’s Third District.”
BACKGROUND:
The NDAA passed the House in July, where it then went to the Senate and differences were resolved. After passing today, it will now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
The NDAA includes:
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- $72 million in funding for Oklahoma Air Force bases.
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- A 5.2% increase in basic pay.
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- Parental leave of up to 12 inactive duty-training periods for military reservists.
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- $2.8 billion to procure 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft which Altus Air Force Base trains.
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- Continued training program of the KC-135 program at Altus Air Force Base.
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- Border security funds to conduct cyber operations to disrupt cartels/trafficking.
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- Annual independent audits of the Department of Defense for the next 10 years to ensure proper oversight of funding.
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