Larson: Final NDAA Supports Connecticut Priorities While Removing Culture War Poison Pills
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“The 2024 defense authorization bill supports Connecticut priorities along with service members and their families, while rejecting House Republicans’ assault on women’s rights and LGBTQ rights,” said Larson.
“This defense authorization bill supports the best machinists and engineers in the world right here in Connecticut by authorizing full funding for F135 modernization. Just last week, the Department of Defense announced its intent to award sole-source contracts to East Hartford based Pratt & Whitney to modernize the F135 engine and today’s vote continues that momentum forward. Modernizing the F135 is the right decision for American taxpayers, for our troops, and for our partner and allied nations. I want to thank House Armed Services Committee member, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), for his tireless leadership on behalf of Connecticut workers and suppliers.”
“This bill also strips many of the culture war provisions House Republicans passed earlier this year, including provisions that would have restricted reproductive and gender affirming health care.”
“This NDAA also supports our troops by authorizing a 5.2% increase in pay for service members, making a significant investment in military family housing, and expanding eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance. It reauthorizes the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, fully resources the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and European Deterrence Initiative, and authorizes key AUKUS commitments.”
Connecticut Priorities Included in the FY2024 NDAA:
- $14 billion for the F-35 program, including 83 planes
- $2 billion, fully funding the B-21 Raider Long Range Strike Bomber Program
- $379.7 million for 2 Sikorsky Combat Rescue Helicopters
- $1.7 billion for 15 CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters
- $668.3 million for 24 UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters
- $153.22 million for 26 UH-60 L and V Black Hawk helicopters
- $23 million for a Black Hawk modernization program
- $5.8 billion for the Columbia-class Submarine program
- $10.3 billion for the Virginia-class Submarine program.
- $2.8 billion for 15 KC-46 tankers.