WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Senate’s passage of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA includes:

• Senator Scott’s amendment to cut off funds to the Maduro regime;
• Senator Scott’s amendment to hold China accountable;
• More than $1.2 billion to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base;
• $750 billion in defense spending; and
• A 3.1% pay raise for military members
   

Senator Rick Scott said, “This bill is a great win for our military and our country. Our military not only provides for our safety and security, but also leads in supporting our allies and protecting freedom across the globe. We must do everything we can to provide our men and women in uniform with the resources they need. I fought for $750 billion to fund our military this year, including funding to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base and a pay raise for military members, in my Fighting for Florida budget agenda. I’m glad to see all three included in this year’s NDAA.

“The United States must stand up to oppressive regimes throughout the globe, including in Venezuela and China. I’m proud my colleagues supported my important amendments to prohibit the DOD from doing business with anyone that supports the oppressive Maduro regime and to require DOD to provide information on every contract between the Department and businesses controlled by the Chinese government.”

Senator Jim Inhofe, Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee, said, “This year’s NDAA emphasizes supporting our allies and taking a tough stand against authoritarian regimes. Senator Scott’s amendments strengthen these efforts by requiring DOD to assess how China uses businesses to further their national security goals and by cutting off business relations with the illegitimate Maduro dictatorship. Senator Scott’s amendments ensure we are taking real steps to ensure our government contracts don’t bolster our adversaries.”

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