SASC Completes Markup of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the Committee voted 24-1 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. During the subcommittee and full committee markups of the legislation, the Committee considered 445 amendments and adopted 286 amendments. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

Senator Reed commented: “This week, the committee approved a bipartisan defense bill that makes our country stronger and safer. It invests in the people, platforms, and programs we need to deter adversaries and safeguard the nation. This bill makes real progress. It addresses a broad range of pressing issues, from strategic competition with China and Russia, to disruptive technologies like hypersonics, AI, and quantum computing, to modernizing our ships, aircraft, and combat vehicles.

“Passing the NDAA takes bipartisanship – that means you don’t win everything – and I’m grateful that Ranking Member Wicker and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle share a common agreement that getting this bill to the Senate floor and ultimately the President’s desk is our paramount responsibility.”

Senator Wicker also commented: “Our nation faces the most dangerous moment since World War II, and my top priority is to deliver our service members the tools and capabilities they need to keep us safe. Our achievements in this year’s NDAA would advance American national defense and help take care of our service members and their families.

“I feel strongly that the bill as reported does not adequately fund our defense needs, and I will work to increase the Department of Defense top level as the bill progresses. This is the best way to deter conflict around the globe. I am glad Chairman Reed has also expressed support for higher defense expenditures.

“It was an honor to lead my first markup of the National Defense Authorization Act as Ranking Member alongside my friend and colleague Chairman Reed. I look forward to bringing this NDAA to the Senate floor soon. It is imperative that we advance this legislation without delay.”

Committee approval is the first step in a months-long process to establish defense funding levels and set policies for the Defense Department and the Energy Department’s national security programs. The bill must now be debated and voted on by the full U.S. Senate. A separate measure will make its way through the U.S. House of Representatives. Once both the Senate and House pass their versions of the bill, they must then be reconciled in a bicameral conference committee, and then approved by each chamber before a final version may be sent to the President to be signed into law.

This marks the 63^rd consecutive year that the Committee has come together on a bipartisan basis to advance a defense policy bill.

Click here to read the FY2024 NDAA Executive Summary.