Duval Times

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is set to become law. The final legislation includes several provisions led by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) that will benefit Florida and strengthen U.S. national security.

Senator Rubio expressed his satisfaction with the bill, stating, "This year's defense bill is an important step towards ensuring a secure and innovative America. The NDAA contains a number of provisions I championed that strengthen the U.S. military's mission to be ready to confront our adversaries. Further, the NDAA includes several provisions that will benefit Florida's military installations and our service members."

Among the provisions included in the FY24 NDAA are:

1. The Warner-Rubio Intelligence Authorization Act, which provides funding, legal authorities, and enhanced congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community. This reauthorization passed the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence unanimously.

2. The Rachael Booth Act, which addresses a gap in current law regarding the treatment of dependents of service members who have suffered from domestic abuse.

3. The International Port Security Enforcement Act, which ensures that ports controlled by State Sponsors of Terrorism and Terrorist Organizations are automatically deemed to lack effective antiterrorism measures and are sanctioned through the International Port Security Program. This legislation also safeguards the U.S. Coast Guard from sharing port security protocols with terrorists or terrorist sponsors.

4. The Enhancing Spaceport Operations Act, which supports the U.S. Space Force and commercial space launch providers, ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive with threats from China and Russia.

5. The Non-Recognition of Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory Act, which prohibits any federal department or agency from taking actions or extending any assistance that implies recognition of Russian claims of sovereignty over any portion of Ukraine's internationally-recognized territory.

6. The Kaine-Rubio Joint Resolutions Requiring Senate Advice and Consent for NATO Withdrawal, which prohibits any President of the United States from withdrawing from NATO without the Senate's advice and consent.

Additionally, the FY24 NDAA includes provisions that directly impact Florida, including over $622 million for military construction in the state. This funding includes allocations for various military installations:

- Tyndall Air Force Base will receive $252 million for natural disaster recovery and an additional $17 million for a fire station.

- NAS Whiting Field will receive $148.5 million, including $50 million for a helicopter training hangar.

- MacDill Air Force Base will receive $148 million, with $131 million allocated for maintenance improvements supporting the KC-46A.

- Eglin Air Force Base will receive $15.5 million for the development and test facility for the Long Range Stand Off.

- Camp Blanding will receive $13 million, including funds for a multipurpose machine gun range, planning and design of a training aids center, and planning and design of a wedge infantry squad battle course.

- Patrick Space Force Base will receive $42 million, with $15 million allocated for Commercial Vehicle Inspection and $15 million to complete a communications center.

- The Army Reserve Center in Perrine will receive $3 million to cover the costs of completion.

- The Air National Guard at Jacksonville International Airport will receive $600,000 for F-35 Munitions Storage Area Administration Planning and Design.

These provisions and funding allocations highlight Senator Rubio's dedication to national security and his commitment to supporting Florida's military installations and service members. With the passing of the NDAA, these provisions will soon become law, further strengthening the U.S. military and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-led-provisions-to-become-law-as-part-of-annual-defense-bill/