WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as the Senate finally begins consideration of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Senator Rick Scott released the following statement announcing his proposed amendments to this important legislation. The package currently includes critical funding to support the continued mission of F-35 squadrons at Tyndall Air Force Base, a 2.7% pay raise for America’s brave men and women in uniform, and $768 billion in national defense spending – a $25 billion increase over President Biden’s inadequate defense budget proposal.

Full consideration of the NDAA by the Senate has been needlessly and inexplicably delayed by Senator Chuck Schumer for months. Only twice in the past 60 years has the NDAA had Senate consideration occur this late in the year.

Senator Rick Scott said, “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have fought throughout this year to ensure the Fiscal Year 2022 NDAA includes big wins for Florida’s military interests. In the Senate Armed Services Committee, we successfully defeated Joe Biden’s radical efforts to cut the military’s budget and secured critical funding for Tyndall Air Force Base – a strategic hub for the future of F-35 based air warfare – to have the necessary resources to continue this critical mission.

“But the battle for Florida and our military isn’t over yet. With the NDAA now finally being considered on the Senate floor, I am fighting to protect our national security interests by offering amendments to hold Biden accountable for his botched and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, ban the purchase of drones from our adversaries, and stand with our democratic partner Taiwan against Communist China’s growing aggression. Furthermore, I am fighting to protect Floridians by offering amendments to keep the ban on oil drilling off the coasts of Florida – maintaining vital military readiness capabilities in the Gulf of Mexico – and give the Coast Guard the jurisdiction it needs to bring drug dealers and human traffickers to justice.

“With 20 military bases and three unified commands, Florida is proud of its critical role in America’s national defense. I won’t stop fighting for what matters to our state and to protect and support America’s military. As threats from our enemies grow more dangerous, now is not the time for appeasement or weak leadership. I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support these vitally important amendments.”

Senator Scott introduced four critically-needed amendments to the NDAA:

• An amendment to establish a Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan, which would conduct a full investigation and compile a joint report on President Biden’s failed and tragic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan;
• The American Security Drone Act, which would ban the U.S. Government from purchasing drones manufactured in countries identified as national security threats, like Iran and Communist China;
• The Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act, which would reinforce the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and strengthen Taiwan’s ability to resist Communist China’s aggressive policies and military actions; and
• The Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, which would extend customs waters to 24 miles to give the Coast Guard and law enforcement the jurisdiction necessary to keep American families safe from drug and human traffickers.

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