Utah Valley Times

Representative John Curtis (R-UT) voted in favor of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today. The bill includes two amendments introduced by Curtis, addressing Iran’s military capabilities and protecting allies in the Middle East.

"I am pleased that my colleagues in the House supported my amendments aimed at addressing Iran's military capabilities and safeguarding our allies from radical organizations," said Rep. Curtis. "It is essential that our military does not sell products from companies that participate in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement."

The Congressman’s amendments are as follows:

1. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from knowingly permitting the sale, at a commissary store or military exchange, of any good, ware, article, or merchandise from any company that has engaged in or engages in a boycott of the State of Israel.

2. Modifies and updates reporting requirements regarding Iranian military capabilities.

Additionally, the NDAA features provisions to strengthen military capabilities and ensure service members are well-compensated:

- Pay Increases: Implements a 19.5% raise for junior enlisted members and a 4.5% raise for all other ranks.

- Childcare Support: Allocates $204 million for building new childcare centers to support military families.

- Pacific Deterrence: Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative with over $650 million for critical military priorities.

- Technology Investments: Boosts funding for cutting-edge technologies like hypersonic missiles and AI to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries.

- Regional Defense: Strengthens defenses for Taiwan and fortifies alliances across the Indo-Pacific.

- Missile Defense: Ensures full funding for U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense systems including Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling.