Today, Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) voted for H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The measure passed the House by a vote of 217-198.
“This robust defense bill is a timely and clear message to our adversaries observing weakness from the White House,” Rep. Franklin said. “We remain resolved to lead, defend our national and global interests and counter aggression from the world’s worst actors. This critical bill gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise, refocuses the Pentagon on lethality, counters China and ensures our men and women in uniform have every tool necessary to fight and win.”
Key provisions include:
-Funds a 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel and 15% pay increase for junior enlisted service members.
-Supporting the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which enhances U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, including funding for several INDOPACOM unfunded priorities.
-Investing in next-generation fighter aircraft, helicopters, tactical combat vehicles, and submarines.
-Providing $500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, to include Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems.
-Providing $80 million above the President’s Budget Request for U.S.-Israeli anti-tunneling cooperation.
-Providing $55 million above the President’s Budget Request for counter-UAS development and directed energy and laser technology cooperation.
-Cutting $621.2 million from the President’s Budget Request for climate change initiatives.
-Prohibiting funds to House illegal immigrants on military installations.
-Prohibiting censoring constitutionally protected speech of Americans.
-Prohibiting the promotion or advancement of critical race theory (CRT).
Read the bill text here.
