Today, Representative John James (MI-10) voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2024. This legislation includes a number of provisions that benefit Michigan and the 10th Congressional District.
Rep. James released the following statement after voting in support of this bill:
“As a combat veteran, I am keenly aware of the critical importance of authorizing funding for our military. Not only does this legislation support our troops and their families with a historic 5.2% pay increase, but it also authorizes funding for critical programs that are essential to the work our servicemembers do to protect our nation. This legislation also includes $972.4 million for the district. With Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Detroit Arsenal right in the heart of Michigan’s 10th Congressional District I will always stand to support our national defense,”said James.
NDAA inclusions for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District:
• $224 million for research, development, training & evaluation for the Abrams Modernization Program
• $674 million for the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM)
• $72 million for a Ground Transport Equipment Building at the Detroit Arsenal
• $2.4 million for a manned and unmanned Tactical Vehicle Lab at the Detroit Arsenal
Other provisions for Michigan:
• $24.5 million for Battle Creek Naval Reserve Center
• $72 million for Tomahawk Missiles
• $915 million for JASSM Missiles, $769.6 million for advanced procurement of JASSMs
• $87.7 million for LRASM0 Missiles, $99.8 million for advanced procurement of LRASM0s
Other important provisions:
• Includes a 5.2% increase in basic pay and extends recruitment and retention bonuses.
• Authorizes a monthly bonus for junior enlisted members to counter the effects of inflation.
• Prohibits teaching, training, or promotion of critical race theory in the military.
• Freezes DEI hiring and caps pay for any DEI employees.
• Provides no money for drag shows and stops the Navy from employing a drag queen as a “Digital Ambassador.”
• Includes a parents’ bill of rights in DoD schools.
• Strengthens training and advising for the military forces of Taiwan, to assist in their efforts to combat threats made by China.
