Strong votes to bolster American military strength in DoD appropriations bill

WASHINGTON – To support “a workforce that is part of the very fabric of North Alabama,” U.S. Rep. Dale Strong voted for the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a 221-209 vote late Thursday night.

Strong (R-Huntsville), member of the Appropriations Committee, said the legislation provides funding that underscores a steadfast commitment to reinforcing America’s military superiority, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protects U.S. assets at home and abroad, and takes care of troops and their families.

“This legislation makes essential, strategic investments to defend and protect the American people from growing global threats,” Strong said in a news release. “The best deterrence is readiness. As the aggressive postures of Russia, China, and Iran continue to grow, we must prioritize the development of defense capabilities to provide our men and women in uniform with the very best resources and training.

“This funding bolsters America’s military superiority and invests in missile defense and space programs to support the Golden Dome initiatives – a workforce that is part of the very fabric of North Alabama while remaining laser-focused on our military’s warfighting mission.”

The legislation

• Provides a 3.8% pay increase for America’s dedicated service members.
• Funds comprehensive training and equips an agile, highly capable force.
• Takes measures to reduce permanent change of station (PCS) moves, fostering greater stability and predictability for military personnel and their families.
• Allocates $13 billion toward advanced initiatives in support of the Golden Dome for America.
• Invests billions in national security missile and space programs, including missile warning and tracking, to ensure the military has real-time global situational awareness.
• Commits to the modernization of America’s nuclear triad, a cornerstone of strategic deterrence.
• Directs each military service to provide a report listing the service’s total munitions requirements and capacity.
• Encourages the DOD to continue and expand partnerships with academia to create a pipeline of students with security clearances, enabling immediate employment across ranges, laboratories, and installations upon graduation.
• Expresses congressional support for the DoD’s use of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) within various programs.
• Provides a $400 million funding increase for the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program.
• Allocates $1.15 billion to efforts combating international cartel drug trafficking to enhance national security at our borders.
• Increases funding for the National Guard counterdrug program, reinforcing interdiction capabilities to stop harmful drugs before they reach the homeland.