Cornhusker State News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, yesterday voted in favor of advancing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

Sen. Fischer successfully secured a series of national security provisions in the Senate’s NDAA that:

• Strengthen U.S. nuclear deterrent
• Expand domestic munitions production capacity
• Continue to block China’s propaganda efforts in Hollywood

“The global threat environment we face is only growing more dangerous. I’m proud to have led multiple provisions that ensure we rise to the occasion and tackle these national security challenges head on. This includes modernizing our nuclear triad, expanding munitions production, and standing up to China’s propaganda efforts,” said Sen. Fischer.

Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence

SLCM

Sen. Fischer has long spearheaded the effort to modernize our nuclear triad, despite efforts by the Biden administration to cancel initiatives like the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) program. Because of her continued leadership, the FY 24 Senate NDAA codifies SLCM as a program of record. It also authorizes over $75 million to continue the NNSA’s research and development of the W80-4 ALT-SLCM warhead, and $190 million for the Navy’s development of the SLCM body.

Sentinel

The U.S. Air Force will be replacing the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system with the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system. This project is the most significant and complex weapon system in recent U.S. history.

Sen. Fischer secured provisions to provide Sentinel with multiyear procurement authority, stabilize key supply chains, and increase program efficiency.

Expanding Domestic Munitions Production

Sen. Fischer has repeatedly raised concerns about the importance of expanding munitions production capacity. This is especially critical when considering the rate at which Ukraine and Russia are running through munitions, as well as China’s dramatic military buildup. 

The FY 24 Senate NDAA includes Fischer provisions to extend waivers for streamlined munitions acquisitions and authorizes additional munitions to be eligible for multiyear procurements.

Combating China’s Propaganda Efforts in Hollywood

The Chinese Communist Party often looks to leverage its economic ties to Hollywood to pre-emptively censor “threatening” content and promote pro-China propaganda. Last year, Sen. Fischer fought for a provision to prohibit the Department of Defense from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the Chinese government. This year, Sen. Fischer secured a provision extending that prohibition through FY 24.

Original source can be found here