WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, today voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The annual legislation, which authorizes defense spending and sets the policy priorities for our military, passed the Senate by a vote of 86-11

Sen. Fischer successfully secured a series of national security provisions in the Senate’s NDAAthat:

• Strengthen the U.S. nuclear deterrent
• Expand domestic munitions production capacity
• Continue to block China’s propaganda efforts in Hollywood

A more detailed breakdown of the FY24 Senate NDAA and how it supports Nebraska military equities can be found here.

“This year’s Senate NDAA is a strong package that will ensure the United States is prepared to tackle the challenges China, Russia, and other adversaries pose to our nation. I’m pleased that my provisions to modernize our nuclear triad, expand munitions production, and stand up to China’s propaganda efforts were all included in this bipartisan bill. We will continue to work to get the NDAAacross the finish line and to the President’s desk in the coming months,” said Sen. Fischer.

Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence

Click the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer’s floor remarks on nuclear deterrence

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SLCM

Sen. Fischer has long spearheaded the effort to modernize our nuclear triad, despite efforts by the Biden administration to cancel initiatives like the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) program. Because of her continued leadership, the FY 24 Senate NDAA codifies SLCM as a program of record. It also authorizes over $75 million to continue the NNSA’s research and development of the W80-4 ALT-SLCM warhead, and $190 million for the Navy’s development of the SLCM missile body. 

Sentinel

The U.S. Air Force will be replacing the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system with the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system. This project is the most significant and complex weapon system in recent U.S. history.

Sen. Fischer secured provisions to provide Sentinel with multiyear procurement authority, stabilize key supply chains, and increase program efficiency.

Expanding Domestic Munitions Production

Click the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer’s questioning on munitions

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Sen. Fischer has repeatedly raised concerns about the importance of expanding munitions production capacity. This is especially critical when considering the rate at which Ukraine and Russia are running through munitions, as well as China’s dramatic military buildup. 

The FY 24 Senate NDAA includes Fischer provisions to extend waivers for streamlined munitions acquisitions and authorizes additional munitions to be eligible for multiyear procurements. 

Combating China’s Propaganda Efforts in Hollywood

Click the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer’s remarks on CCP propaganda efforts

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The Chinese Communist Party often looks to leverage its economic ties to Hollywood to pre-emptively censor “threatening” content and promote pro-China propaganda. Last year, Sen. Fischer fought for a provision to prohibit the Department of Defense from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the Chinese government. This year, Sen. Fischer secured a provision extending that prohibition through FY 24.

Because of these provisions, the Dept. of Defense is now prohibited from assisting with entertainment projects that censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People’s Republic of China.

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