Rounds Statement on Committee Approval of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, released the following statement on the Armed Services Committee’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022.

“The national defense bill is a prime example of Congress putting politics aside and achieving results for our service members and their families,” said Rounds. “As the Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, I am proud of our work to strengthen our nation’s cyber capabilities and develop advanced technology to combat threats from China and Russia. Additionally, this year’s NDAA provides 3 percent real growth in funding for our Armed Forces at a time of serious and mounting threats from foreign adversaries. I am pleased our bill contains measures supporting South Dakotans, including the Airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base. These included provisions support Cold Spray repair technology, stratospheric balloon research, a cybersecurity related university consortium and the B-21 bomber program. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation across the finish line.”

“Senator Rounds is an integral part of the Senate Armed Services Committee,” said Ranking Member Jim Inhofe. “His outstanding leadership on the Cybersecurity Subcommittee will strengthen the cybersecurity posture of the Department of Defense — ensuring we can better defend ourselves against malicious cyberattacks. Senator Rounds also worked tirelessly to strengthen military readiness and to deliver the resources, equipment, training, and care our service members and their families deeply deserve. I’m grateful for his hard work on this year’s defense authorization bill.”

Highlights of the National Defense Authorization Act include:

• Gives our military the resources needed to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat our enemies: Increases funding for national defense by $25 billion above President Biden’s request, matching the National Defense Strategy Commission minimum recommendation of 3 percent real growth and bringing the total funding authorized for the Department of Defense and nuclear weapons activities to a total of $777.9 billion.
• Takes care of our troops: Ensures our troops receive a well-deserved 2.7 percent pay raise; makes necessary improvements to military health care; continues efforts to guarantee military spouses have access to meaningful employment; provides service members with dedicated bereavement leave; and ensures military families have access to high-quality housing.
• Prioritizes cybersecurity: Fully funds CYBERCOM and protects against persistent cyberattacks by assessing and strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities.
• Accelerates innovation: Invests in defense technology that will put us ahead of our competitors, including microelectronics, artificial intelligence, 5G, hypersonic weapons, and directed energy; provides tailored acquisition authorities focused on transitioning technologies faster.