WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Senate’s final passage of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The final NDAA includes:

• Senator Scott’s Secure U.S. Bases Act to reform and improve foreign military student training programs following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6th, 2019. The Secure U.S. Bases Act requires a thorough vetting process before a foreign student enters the U.S., requires foreign students to follow rules established by U.S. Base Commanders and vastly improves the security of our military installations, service members, their families and the surrounding communities.
• $740.5 billion in national defense spending.
• A 3 percent pay raise for military members.
• Important provisions to deter Chinese military and economic aggression.
• A continuation of President Trump’s historic efforts to rebuild our military superiority by investing in the next generation of ships, planes, tanks, and weapons.
• Strengthening America’s national defense supply chain and reducing overreliance on foreign adversaries like Communist China.

Senator Rick Scott said, “One year ago, following the horrific terrorist attack Naval Air Station Pensacola, I vowed to do everything I could to make sure our military men and women and their families were safe on U.S. bases. I fought to make sure my Secure U.S. Bases Act, which requires thorough vetting and monitoring of foreign military students training at U.S. bases, was included in the NDAA. I’m glad my colleagues understand how important it is we get this passed to help prevent an attack like this from ever happening again.

“This year’s NDAA is a huge win for our nation and for the security of Americans and our allies. It strengthens President Trump’s efforts to rebuild our military after Obama decimated it with budget cuts and cements his legacy as a leader and defender of the American military. President Trump’s efforts to bring American troops home from endless wars, while building the most lethal military in the world helps ensure the overwhelming military might that America expects and deserves. The provisions in the NDAA to combat the threat of Communist China are more important than ever as General Secretary Xi continues his quest for world domination. I will never forget my most important job as U.S. Senator is to protect and serve the families of our nation, and we must continue to invest in America’s greatest asset — the men and women of our armed forces.”