Why did our Congresswoman (along with Ted Cruz, Rick Scott, Jim Banks) all vote in favor of of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)? These are the bullet points:

This bill supports service members and their families by increasing pay by 5.2%, the largest increase in 20 years; allocating $280 million for new schools for military children; requires the DoD to correct personnel files of service members discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine so they receive full benefits in retirement.

This bill bans Critical Race Theory from being taught in our military. Implements a pay cap on the Pentagon’s DEI programs and includes a Parents’ Bill of Rights in DoD schools.

This NDAA bill fully modernizes our nuclear triad. Prohibits the sourcing of operational energy from Russia or China, or entities owned by Russia or China. Prevents the retirement of capabilities with remaining service life, including four battleships and additional F-22, KC-135, E-3 and C-130 aircraft. And includes increased funding for military construction and logistics abilities.

The NDAA also included the Pueblo Jobs Act, which will create 1,000+ badly needed jobs in Pueblo! Many of those will be vets who work in the area as well.

Every bill comes with good and bad, in this case there is more good. A “yes” vote on NDAA was a good decision.

Kelly Hegarty

Durango