Aiken Times

Washington, D.C.– Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee completed the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024:

“I was grateful to have voted for the committee passage of the bipartisan FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which supports funding for critical missions in my district. Congress has a duty to ensure our Armed Forces are prepared to face the threats of now and tomorrow, and this NDAA not only prioritizes increasing our capability, but it also ensures that our service members are taken care of both professionally and personally.

“As a veteran and father with four sons who have served in this nation’s military, I am deeply committed to ensuring the Department of Defense (DoD) has every available resource to deter our adversaries, support our allies, strengthen our communities, and, if necessary, fight and win against hostile aggressors.”

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FY24 NDAA

Increased Pay for Service Members

“Our service members’ pay should reflect the realities of inflation and the sacrifices they make to serve our Nation. The 5.2% increase in this year’s NDAA will solidify support for our service members and their families, ensuring they are able to meet their basic needs. I will always remain an advocate for the quality of life of our service members and their families.”

Modernizing our Nuclear Triad for Deterrence

“This year’s NDAA establishes December 31st, 2035, as the deadline for the new Tritium Finishing Facility to be built, replacing a 1950’s era installation within the existing Savannah River Tritium Enterprise. The Savannah River Site, in Aiken County, is the only location in the country that produces tritium for our nuclear weapons. The establishment of this deadline ensures this vital facility is funded and prevents any unnecessary delays.

“I was also grateful to have voted against an amendment that would have removed the mandated deadlines for the development of plutonium pits to support our Nation’s nuclear deterrent. Moving them would send the message that our deterrent capabilities are a lesser priority. I appreciate that the Republican-led committee reaffirmed this important capability and is focused on meeting current statutory timelines.”

Protective Equipment Modernization

“I am committed to ensuring our Nation’s service members are equipped with the best equipment to carry out their duties without hindrance. Our service members deserve the same level of attention to their equipment as a professional athlete. 

“My amendment in the FY24 NDAA directs the DoD to provide Congress with an assessment of the efforts to modernize protective equipment as directed by my language in the FY21 NDAA.”

Supporting Military Families with Special Needs

“For military families who have special needs or disabilities, navigating resources can be a disruptive and overwhelming process when they make a permanent change of station. My amendment included in this year’s NDAA, requires the DoD to conduct a study to assess the need for additional training for providers that work with Exceptional Family Member Program dependents to ensure their standards meet the needs and ease the adjustment for special needs families.”

Secure PiLT Funding for Savannah River Site Communities

“As the only Member of Congress to have worked at the Savannah River Site, I know how critical the communities surrounding the Site are to supporting its mission. This bill includes full funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) for the counties of Aiken, Barnwell, and Allendale.

“The Savannah River Site covers over 310 square miles and spans three counties. PiLT funding goes to these counties to support schools, emergency services, and county operations that would have otherwise received taxes through development on that property.”

Preventing Divisive and Radical Agendas Within the Military 

“This year’s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. Our military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution. Our military readiness depends on the rejection of divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas.”

Promoting Defense Research Projects at South Carolina Universities

“I was grateful to champion continued authorizations for defense research projects and programs at South Carolina colleges and universities in the FY24 NDAA. This will provide for ongoing quality, high-paying jobs and lead to additional opportunities to strengthen a homegrown workforce. The ingenuity of our students in technology and engineering fields is an asset to our Nation. Their contributions and abilities in cybersecurity and remote capabilities contributes greatly to our national defense. South Carolina is home to multiple DoD installations, and these programs play such a positive role in promoting community and cooperation between universities and our military.”

Promoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel

“The United States and Israel are leaders in the development of defensive capabilities and technologies to address shared threats. I was grateful that my bill, the US-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, which provides for additional developmental cooperation between the United States and Israel, was included in the Chairman’s Mark of the FY24 NDAA. This is a mutually beneficial initiative that fast tracks cutting edge development and financially benefits both countries.”

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