Tuberville delivers for Alabama’s defense priorities as NDAA passes committee

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2022 reported out of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Wednesday night with U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) securing amendments during the markup process which will play a crucial role in benefiting Alabama’s defense installations and strengthening United States military readiness.

Since assuming office earlier this year, Alabama’s junior senator has made it a top priority to advocate for the position Alabama holds in supporting initiatives that are vital in protecting U.S. national security. Tuberville says he believes it is critical that the state of Alabama holds a seat at the table in defense appropriations discussions.

“I’ve made it my mission to visit our commanders in the field and Alabama’s military communities to hear from our service men and women directly so I can be their voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee,” said Tuberville. “This year, in every vote I cast during the National Defense Authorization Act, I asked if it would be in the best interest of our country and responsible to the taxpayer. I’m proud of how Alabama supports our military and I’ve encouraged my colleagues in the Senate to rise to meet the grave threats facing our nation.”

Jim Inhofe (R-OK), the top Republican on the Committee and SASC ranking member, praised Tuberville for his focus on supporting national defense objectives.

“Senator Tuberville has made important contributions to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act as a first-year member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,” said Inhofe. “His provisions will strengthen our national defense by leveraging the expertise and abilities of Alabama’s military installations and industry, including world-class shipbuilding, a vibrant defense workforce, and Army modernization, Space Force implementation, and missile defense efforts.”

The following is a summary of funding priorities secured by Tuberville in the NDAA for fiscal year 2022. The objectives relate to an array of funding areas that will serve to benefit Alabama’s military installations and its robust aerospace and defense industry:

● Increased overall Department of Defense (DOD) topline by 3%
● Prioritized funding for hypersonic development and testing with an emphasis on Huntsville’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
● Targeted funding for further development of high-energy lasers (HEL)
● Accelerated investment in satellite systems to address cyber vulnerabilities in support of the Space Command
● Secured a new Force reserve component within the National Guard for the U.S. Space Force
● Authorized funding toward supporting repair and maintenance for Dannelly Field in Montgomery
● Provided authorization of two Expeditionary Fast Transport vessels in support of the Gulf’s shipbuilding industry
● Secured funding toward resources for a second Guided Missile Destroyer, fulfilling the U.S. Navy’s top funding priority
● Fought for small business innovators by advocating for public-private partnership to incentivize employee ownership for government defense contractors
● Sought $6.6M toward the improvement of Fort Rucker’s dilapidated barracks

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News