Serving those who serve us

By U.S. Rep. Tom Cole
R-Oklahoma

As the son of an Air Force veteran, grandson of a World War II naval combat veteran, nephew of a Bataan Death March survivor and Japanese prisoner of war, and brother of a Vietnam era Air Force veteran, I know firsthand that our men and women in uniform make vast sacrifices every single day to defend our freedom and keep us safe. Therefore, as a member of Congress, I have made it a priority of mine to serve those who serve us.

So, this week, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in doing just that by voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, more commonly referred to as the NDAA. 

(Editor's note: The act passed the House, 216-212, largely along party lines, with Republican backing and most Democrats opposed. It is not likely to pass in the Senate.)

During a time when the world is so dangerous, this legislation is must-pass legislation, as it will provide our brave service members with everything they need to ensure they are prepared and ready to serve when called to action. Specifically, it authorizes the national defense funding needed to expand U.S. production capacity, restore depleted stockpiles, strengthen shipyards, grow the defense workforce here at home, and create thousands of skilled American jobs. 

The NDAA restores peace through strength by improving our nuclear deterrence and missile defense, while at the same time accelerating technologies such as hypersonics, quantum computing, and autonomous resources, all of which are essential to deterring the evils around the world like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

In addition to ensuring our men and women in uniform are provided with the capabilities they need to confront the dangerous threats our nation receives, it is also important to prioritize their quality-of-life. That’s why my friend, Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, made sure to include a five to seven percent pay raise for all our selfless service members in this bill. Additionally, the bill improves military housing, education, childcare access, and more.

All of this being said, our troops deserve more than just promises. They deserve to see the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA become law. They deserve better pay and they deserve to be provided with the resources they need to succeed. 

I know that there really will never truly be enough we can do to repay those who have served us, both past and present. However, we must do all we can. That includes passing this legislation.