Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has successfully secured legislative wins for Louisiana as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA, which recently passed the Senate, includes two of Kennedy's bills aimed at strengthening national security and addressing key priorities.

One of the key provisions in the NDAA is the Pacific Islands Forum Partnership Act, which Kennedy introduced. This act aims to combat China's aggression in the Pacific Ocean by establishing a special envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Kennedy stated, "Beijing recognizes that these nations are strategically located in the Indo-Pacific region and has already established a special envoy to the PIF. The U.S only recently appointed its own special envoy after Kennedy filed his original bill last year, but Kennedy's legislation would make the position permanent and would require Senate confirmation." The special envoy would play a crucial role in deepening trust and increasing dialogue on economic, cyber security, and military concerns in the Pacific Islands.

Kennedy's Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act has also been included in the NDAA. This act establishes a Special Inspector General (IG) for Ukraine, ensuring that the humanitarian, economic, and security assistance funding provided by the U.S. Congress to Ukraine is appropriately spent. Kennedy emphasized the importance of oversight, stating, "The Special IG would oversee the humanitarian, economic and security assistance funding that the U.S. Congress has provided to the country and make sure that the funds are appropriately spent."

Furthermore, Kennedy co-sponsored the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA), which has been included in the NDAA. This legislation aims to criminalize foreign officials' soliciting bribes from Americans or U.S. businesses. Kennedy highlighted the penalties under the FEPA Act, stating, "Under the FEPA Act, penalties for soliciting bribes would include a fine of up to $250,000 or three times the value of the bribe (whichever is greater) and a prison sentence of up to 15 years."

In addition to these legislative wins, the NDAA includes significant funding for military construction priorities in Louisiana. Kennedy played a crucial role in authorizing $155.9 million for various projects, including a weapons generation facility at Barksdale Air Force Base, an athletic track and field at Fort Johnson, and a medical facility at Barksdale AFB, among others. Kennedy expressed his satisfaction with the funding, stating, "This year's National Defense Authorization Act includes consequential investments for Louisiana and America. The funding will give our service members a much deserved pay raise, strengthen border security, and keep China, Russia, and Iran in check by bolstering U.S. military readiness."

Overall, the NDAA not only provides for a 5.2% pay raise for military service members but also supports the modernization of the U.S. nuclear force, increases funding to recruit military service members, and authorizes increased funding for cutting-edge technology to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of American weapons against enemy attacks. The NDAA also addresses long-term strategic competition with China, supports Taiwan's military forces in countering Chinese aggression, and authorizes increased funding for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard operations.

Sen. John Kennedy's efforts have resulted in significant legislative victories for Louisiana and the United States as a whole. By prioritizing national security, military readiness, and addressing key concerns, Kennedy's initiatives have been successfully integrated into the National Defense Authorization Act.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/press-releases?ID=E9DD576D-A834-4BC3-A8F0-2D0E6F7CAFB4