In a significant move, the Senate has advanced the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with key border security provisions negotiated by Republican Senator Joni Ernst. The provisions aim to address the growing fentanyl crisis and strengthen border infrastructure, signaling a step forward in the fight against illegal migration and drug trafficking. The NDAA, a must-pass legislation for military funding, is expected to be passed with broad bipartisan support.
Senator Ernst collaborated with the Democrat-led upper chamber to include measures directing the Pentagon to develop a comprehensive counter-narcotics strategy focused on fentanyl, involving increased collaboration with Mexico. This move acknowledges the urgent need to tackle the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities.
Furthermore, the NDAA includes a mandate for the Secretary of Defense to present a plan for utilizing, transferring, or donating border wall materials for ports of entry and construction projects aimed at curbing illegal migrant and vehicle movement across the southern border. This demonstrates a practical and common-sense approach to strengthen border security.
Senator Ernst highlighted the importance of utilizing existing border materials, emphasizing the need to end waste and address the humanitarian and national security crisis at the border. The Biden administration previously sold approximately $260 million worth of unused border wall materials, and the senator calls for a plan from the Secretary of Defense to ensure effective utilization of these resources.
While Senator Ernst acknowledges that these provisions are not the complete solution, she appreciates any movement in the right direction. Republicans have been fighting to include additional border security measures in President Biden’s $106 billion national supplemental package. The inclusion of these provisions in the NDAA is seen as a silver lining, providing momentum to address border security concerns.
The NDAA, which authorizes $886 billion for national defense over the next year, has garnered broad bipartisan support in the Senate, with an 85-15 vote in favor of advancing the bill. Notably, Senate Republicans were successful in preventing the inclusion of preferred pronouns in official correspondence and a proposed hiring freeze on “new diversity, equity, and inclusion positions.”
The compromise bill between the House and Senate also includes significant victories for Republicans on issues such as COVID-19 vaccines and addressing “woke ideology.” It prohibits the teaching of critical race theory in the military, service academies, and Pentagon-run schools, as well as the use of funds for drag shows or drag story hours.
Passage of the NDAA before the end of the year is crucial to ensure military funding for fiscal year 2024. The bill’s progress showcases bipartisan cooperation on national defense priorities and underscores the commitment to address border security concerns. As the NDAA moves closer to final approval, it sets the stage for continued discussions and actions to safeguard the nation’s interests.
