Emerald Coast Times

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) expressed his opposition to the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report during a speech on the House floor. Rep. Gaetz voted against the bill earlier today, citing concerns about various provisions included in the legislation.

During his speech, Rep. Gaetz highlighted his concerns about the inclusion of spying authorities in the NDAA. He pointed out that these authorities have been previously abused, with 278,000 violations of the existing law and the FBI querying information regarding Americans. Rep. Gaetz argued that such provisions do not belong in the NDAA, especially considering the previous violations of civil liberties.

Furthermore, Rep. Gaetz expressed his disappointment with the changes made to the bill during the conference report. He compared the bill to a child returning from summer camp as a "monster," stating that it came back in a worse shape than before. He specifically mentioned concerns about social justice warriors making high salaries at the Department of Defense (DoD) and the flying of flags other than the American flag at military bases.

Rep. Gaetz criticized the removal of provisions such as a cap on salaries for social justice warriors at the DoD and the elimination of the Chief Diversity Officer position. He also mentioned the abandonment of a parents' bill of rights in DoD schools and concerns about censorship funded by the DoD.

In his speech, Rep. Gaetz emphasized that the bill fails to address the structural challenges within the Department of Defense, which he believes has veered substantially left. He argued that while there may be some positive aspects to the bill, it does not deserve an affirmative vote due to the unnecessary extension of spying authorities.

Additionally, Rep. Gaetz touched upon the issue of pay increases for service members, which he acknowledged as a positive aspect of the bill. However, he raised concerns about the lack of provisions for the 8,600 service members who were forced to separate from the military due to the vaccination requirement. He argued that these individuals should have been provided with back pay, reparations, and restoration of rank.

Rep. Gaetz concluded his speech by expressing his disappointment with the process of compromise in the bill. He criticized the inclusion of the extension of spying authorities, which was not present in either the House or Senate version of the bill. Rep. Gaetz emphasized the importance of compromise reflecting the work of both chambers and not introducing completely new issues.

Rep. Matt Gaetz's opposition to the FY 2024 NDAA Conference Report highlights his concerns about the inclusion of spying authorities and various provisions that were added during the conference. He argues that these provisions do not align with the original intentions of the bill and criticizes the lack of provisions for service members impacted by the vaccination requirement. The congressman's speech sheds light on the ongoing debates and compromises surrounding the NDAA.

To learn more, click on this link: https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-matt-gaetz-speaks-house-floor-opposition-fy2024-ndaa-conference