[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 122 (Thursday, July 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on an entirely different matter, the 
Senate continues to consider the National Defense Authorization Act. I 
understand we are close to a bipartisan structure for amendments, and 
if our Democratic colleagues will let us, I hope we can move forward 
today.
  All week I have discussed how the 60th consecutive NDAA will help our 
Nation protect its people, stand with our allies, and keep pace with 
our competitors. This legislation has global reach, but, as all my 
colleagues know, the NDAA is also a profoundly local bill for 
communities in all 50 States.
  My home State is proud to support three Army installations and the 
men and women of the Kentucky Air and Army National Guard. Last fall, I 
hosted Defense Secretary Mark Esper in Kentucky to speak with the Fort 
Knox community. He called for a renewed commitment to supporting our 
all-volunteer force, including military spouses and their families.
  The NDAA advances that goal. It will authorize a new elementary 
school at Fort Knox. This construction, paired with progress toward a 
new middle school at Fort Campbell, will continue making Kentucky's 
installations a welcoming home for military families.
  This project comes on the heels of Fort Knox's selection for the new 
V Corps headquarters. This mission brings more than 600 additional 
soldiers to Kentucky in support of U.S. operations over in Europe. They 
will join Fort Knox's already impressive list of significant commands, 
including the Army's Recruiting, Cadet, and Human Resources Command. 
The V Corps will find a premier installation made even better by this 
NDAA.
  Our bill also authorizes the construction of a new headquarters for 
the Kentucky National Guard. The facility will consolidate the Guard's 
operation to a central location.
  Just recently, our citizen soldiers and airmen have stepped up to 
combat COVID-19. I am glad this legislation will deliver for them.
  At the Blue Grass Army Depot, the NDAA will advance the disposal of 
legacy chemical weapons. Families in Madison County have lived for 
generations with these deadly agents practically in their backyards. 
For years, I have fought alongside them to support safe and responsible 
demilitarization.
  In just the first year of chemical destruction activities, the depot 
has already completed a campaign ahead of schedule. An entire type of 
munition has been completely deleted from the U.S. stockpile. Our 
legislation will help us safely consign more of these weapons to the 
ash heap of history.
  Now, I have also spoken this week about the growing boldness of our 
Nation's adversaries and the evolving threats our servicemembers face. 
The men and women of Fort Campbell, including the 101st Airborne, are 
among those our Nation turns to first to handle serious challenges. 
Their recent deployments to Europe, Afghanistan, and to support the 
COVID-19 response in New York and New Jersey show their importance to 
our country.
  Pursuant to the national defense strategy, this NDAA will encourage 
new capabilities so elite fighting forces like the 101st are equipped 
for success under any circumstances.
  The Senate is grateful for the courageous service of our Armed 
Forces. The bipartisan legislation before us honors their sacrifices 
and authorizes the resources to carry out their missions. Its impact 
will not be felt just by our adversaries overseas but by our 
servicemembers and communities right here at home.
  I would like to once again thank Chairman Inhofe, Ranking Member 
Reed, and our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for their 
serious and thoughtful work.
  Let's get this bill moving toward completion.

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