Secretary of Defense mandated to present and implement plan for utilizing wall materials
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for utilizing, transferring, or donating materials from the border wall for ports of entry and construction initiatives aimed at curbing illegal migrant and vehicle movement across the southern border.
Addressing Waste and Strengthening Border Security
Senator Joni Ernst, a proponent of the provision, emphasized the need for a plan to effectively use the border materials and strengthen border security. She expressed concern over the unused materials lying in the desert and highlighted the importance of presenting the plan to Congress.
Ernst stated, “We’re trying to end waste and address the humanitarian and national security crisis at the border. We’ve already purchased a lot of border material; it’s just lying there out in the desert, so let’s have the secretary of defense come up with a plan and provide that to Congress.”
The provision comes after reports that approximately $260 million worth of unused border wall materials were sold through an auction website. The aim is to prevent further waste and effectively address the ongoing border crisis.
Step Forward Amid Slow-Moving Border Security Provisions
While the provision is not a comprehensive solution, Senator Ernst sees it as a step forward in the fight to improve border security. She acknowledges the slow progress of border security provisions in President Biden’s $106 billion national supplemental package and appreciates any movement in the right direction.
“I do see this as a step forward. It’s not the entire solution, but any movement in the right direction is appreciated,” Ernst said.
Passage of the NDAA Essential for Military Funding
The NDAA must be passed before the end of the year to ensure military funding for fiscal year 2024. The Senate advanced the NDAA with an 85-15 vote, indicating broad bipartisan support. The full package is expected to pass Wednesday night, authorizing $886 billion over the next year to strengthen national defense.
Republican Victories and Key Provisions
The compromise bill between the Senate and the House of Representatives includes several victories for Republicans. Provisions were added to prevent mandating the inclusion of preferred pronouns in official correspondence and implementing a hiring freeze on “new diversity, equity, and inclusion positions.”
The bill also prohibits the teaching of critical race theory in the military, service academies, and Pentagon-run schools. Additionally, it prevents the use of funds for drag shows or drag story hours.
Overall, the NDAA includes essential provisions to address border security, prevent waste, and strengthen national defense.
Contributor: Elizabeth Elkind (Fox News)
