Rep. Carl: Supporting our national defense

With chaos around the world and constant threats here at home, the federal government’s priority should be supporting our national defense. 

House Republicans have already passed this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Defense Appropriations Act. These two bills set the priorities of the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as fund the Department to ensure our men and women in uniform have the best tools, resources, and training to maintain the most lethal fighting forces in the world and deter against any threats at home or abroad. 

My Republican colleagues and I have also been working to stop the Biden administration from pushing its far-Left social agenda at the DOD because the DOD should be focused on winning combat wars, not culture wars. We are putting an end to countless Biden administration attempts to include diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; Critical Race Theory education; taxpayer-funded sex changes; or drag shows abroad. Cutting funding from these ridiculous enables us to include pay raises for enlisted servicemembers, modernize our military, and counter China. 

Our enemies are becoming bolder and more capable, and the United States absolutely must continue maintaining a dominant military posture to protect against any threats. Just in the last two years, we’ve seen Afghanistan fall to the Taliban, Ukraine be invaded by Russia, and Israel come under attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, China’s aggression continues in the Western Pacific. The world is getting more dangerous and less secure, so America must lead on the global stage. 

I’m proud to play an active role in making sure this happens. Supporting our national defense has always been a main focus of mine, and it’s why I fought to get on the House Armed Services Committee when I first got elected to Congress. Although I am no longer on Armed Services since I am now on the Appropriations Committee, I now have the opportunity to play a role in making sure we are supporting our national defense and fully funding our military. 

This year, I have a seat on the House-Senate National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee. This means, I will be one of a handful of Members who will come together to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. This conference committee has the important task of making sure the Department of Defense is laser-focused on keeping America safe, cutting wasteful spending, and defending against our adversaries. 

The world is safer when America leads, and I’m doing all I can to make sure America continues being a leader on the global stage. 

Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.