WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year’s NDAA includes $857.9 billion in defense spending, $45 billion more than President Joe Biden’s inadequate budget request which did not keep up with his inflation crisis, and a rescission of the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members. Senator Scott continues to fight to ensure that service member who were unfairly discharged have the opportunity to be reinstated with backpay.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is home to 21 military bases and three unified commands, and proud of the important and strategic role we play in America’s national defense. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I fought hard this year to make sure the Sunshine State, America’s national security initiatives, our military, veterans and their families got big wins in this NDAA. Since coming to the Senate four years ago, I’ve consistently advocated for major investments in our defense capabilities and to support Florida’s military bases and our military families. The NDAA that passed the Senate today is a huge improvement over President Biden’s woefully inadequate defense budget proposal and a great win for Florida, America’s national security and our military community, but there is still work to do. While I’m glad this NDAA rescinds the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, I will continue to fight so that every service member who was wrongfully discharged has the opportunity to be reinstated with backpay.”

Senator Scott fought for and secured several measures in the FY 2023 NDAA, including:

• $857.9 billion in national defense spending - $45 billion more than President Joe Biden’s inadequate budget request;
• A rescission of the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate amid the massive recruiting crisis;
• A 4.6% pay raise for military service members;
• $635 million for construction projects, training facilities and access to childcare on Florida’s military bases;
• $208 million for U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), including an assessment of SOUTHCOM’s ability to detect, and interdict illicit narcotics and weapons trafficking activities;
• An audit to improve living quarters for Coast Guard enlisted families in Key West;
• A Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights to ensure due process and proper care for all service members who have been wounded or fallen ill;
• Upgraded long-range drone technology and long-range munitions to combat our enemies;
• Measures to prevent the Department of Defense from acquiring equipment from adversaries, like Communist China; and
• Continued military support to enhance cooperation with America’s strategic allies, including Israel and Taiwan.

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