WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees and co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), today supported the Senate’s 86-11 passage of bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s national security, support our men and women in uniform, and boost Maine communities.

The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a number of provisions that Senator King backed, including: the largest pay raise in over 20 years for servicemembers, enhanced recruiting efforts, support for veterans, two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that Bath Iron Works (BIW) can compete to build, provisions to study the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and stronger tactics to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.

“For over six decades, the Senate has put aside partisan differences to improve America’s national security, support our servicemembers, and strengthen Maine communities. I’m proud that we could continue the tradition this year to pass an annual defense bill that will make our nation safer and stronger,” said Senator King. “The bill makes important investments in our military’s greatest asset – its people. We have a responsibility to serve our men and women in uniform just as they serve us, and this bill lives up to that obligation with the largest pay raise in more than 20 years. The legislation also supports good-paying jobs in Maine communities, particularly through its funding for shipbuilding at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Bath Iron Works. These funds will help the shipyards plan their futures and continue to build the highest-quality ships that our Navy needs to accomplish missions across the globe.

“There are many more important provisions in this legislation – including steps to modernize our nuclear arsenal, support our interests in the Arctic, and improve America’s cybersecurity,” continued Senator King. “All told, this year’s NDAA will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who serve in our military. I’m grateful that we could get the vital bill through the Senate and look forward to coming together with my colleagues in the House to create a responsible final version that meets America’s national security needs.”

A list of Senator King’s major provisions in the 2024 NDAA can be found HERE. Having passed the Senate, the bill will now be brought to a conference committee with House and Senate members to reconcile the differences between the two chambers’ bills.