Included in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) are numerous provisions supporting Alabama’s robust defense industry.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday to encourage his colleagues to support the bill in a bipartisan manner.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the NDAA for FY23. We’ve worked across the aisle on this bill, and I take great pride in it,” said Carl in addressing the chamber. “We have successfully fought back against the president’s cut in our defense budget, obviously due to inflation.”

Relating to South Alabama, the annual military appropriations package includes funding authorization for two Expeditionary Medical Ships that would be built by Austal USA in Mobile.

According to Carl, expanding the U.S. Navy’s fleet would provide the maritime branch with additional muscle to “counter threats” posed by the communist regime in China.

“For example, it gets the Navy back on track to building a large enough fleet to counter threats like China with 355 ships. This includes much-needed ships that will be built at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, and we are very proud of that,” he added. “It also takes care of our servicemembers and their families by giving a 4.6% pay raise to counter the Biden inflation.”

“I encourage my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the bill because it’s critical for the defense of this country,” concluded the congressman.

The NDAA, which earned committee approval last month in a 57-1 vote, is expected to be considered by the full body for passage Thursday night.