STATEMENT on FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – We applaud the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), particularly its inclusion of key America First priorities – namely, the revocation of the Biden Administration’s ill-conceived COVID vaccine mandate, well-deserved pay increases for our men and women in uniform, and measures to deter China. That said, we remain disappointed that the legislation did not go far enough in restoring our national defense. This includes the bill’s failure to implement backpay measures or reinstatement of discharged servicemembers, addressing training, restocking of munitions, promotions curtailed by the mandate, and lifting dishonorable discharges. The bill does not go far enough in rebuilding our fleets, as today’s Navy is the smallest since 1938 and today’s Air Force is the oldest in its history. Overall, the FY2023 NDAA represents a step in the right direction to restoring our national defense, but much more remains to be done and we look forward to working with the 118^th Congress on this priority.

Lt. (Ret.) General Keith Kellogg, Co-Chair, Center for American Security, America First Policy Institute

The Honorable Robert Wilkie, Distinguished Fellow, Center for American Security, America First Policy Institute