NE Florida News

WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) expressed his concerns about the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA) and its alignment with the Biden administration's agenda. In a statement issued today, Congressman Bean criticized the conference report passed by the House of Representatives for prioritizing the "woke agenda" and failing to address key national security issues.

"A strong military makes a strong nation. Unfortunately, this year's NDAA conference report continues to fund the Biden administration's woke agenda at the Pentagon, contradicts House Republicans' efforts to put American national security first, and fails to counter China," said Congressman Bean.

While acknowledging the positive aspects of the bill, such as a 5.2% pay increase for servicemembers and a Parents' Bill of Rights for parents of children at DoD operated schools, Congressman Bean expressed disappointment that the NDAA did not go far enough to ensure America's safety and support the Armed Forces.

"I could not support a bill which puts the interest of Washington bureaucrats and the Far-Left over those of our warfighters," Congressman Bean added.

One of the major concerns raised by Congressman Bean was the inclusion of far-left policy initiatives in the conference report. Unlike the House-passed bill, the conference report does not prevent funds from being used for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advisory committees. It also does not eliminate chief diversity officer positions or prohibit race-based admissions at military academies.

Furthermore, Congressman Bean pointed out that the NDAA would force taxpayers to pay for abortion services and gender reassignment surgeries, which he strongly opposes. The bill also does not prohibit the Secretary of Defense from implementing future mask mandates or taking adverse action against servicemembers who refuse to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Another issue highlighted by Congressman Bean is China's growing influence. He criticized the conference report for lacking provisions to limit China's economic and military capabilities. The bill does not address American investments in CCP companies that are producing critical war-fighting technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic, and quantum computing. Additionally, language prohibiting funding to the EcoHealth Alliance, which funneled money to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was removed from the House-passed bill.

Lastly, Congressman Bean criticized the inclusion of a short-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without essential reforms to end the FBI's warrantless surveillance of American citizens.

Congressman Bean's statement reflects the concerns of House Republicans who believe that the NDAA conference report falls short of addressing vital national security issues and prioritizes far-left policies. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate, where discussions and negotiations will continue.

To find out more, go to this link: https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bean-pushes-back-leftist-agenda