Senator Carper Statement Following Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee and a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, applauded the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which authorizes $886.3 billion for the U.S. Department of Defense and national security programs within the Department of Energy. The Senate approved the legislation by a vote of 86 to 11.

“The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the Senate will ensure that our military has the resources they need to protect Americans at home and abroad. The bill will provide much needed resources for our servicemembers – and their families – who protect our country every day. I’m proud that we were able to work together – Republicans and Democrats – to pass the Senate version of the NDAA to make our country stronger and safer.

“We face a number of unique threats around the world, especially with Russia’s unprecedented war of aggression against Ukraine. I am glad this year’s NDAA will continue sending aid to Ukraine, protecting the sacred principles of democracy and freedom.

“The bill makes important investments in America’s nuclear leadership through the development of new nuclear capabilities. And it highlights the potential of digital trade to uplift workers and spur innovation, while advancing our shared values of privacy and the rule of law. The passage of the Senate NDAA will also provide the largest pay raise in decades – 5.2 percent – for U.S. troops and Defense Department civilians. I look forward to continuing this important bipartisan work with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives as this bill moves through Congress.” 

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