U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) stands behind a new Defense Appropriations Bill as a means to strengthen the U.S. military with resources directed at handling world challenges.
“As chairman, I wanted the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill to send a clear message to our adversaries that the U.S. military will have the tools it needs to win any fight," Calvert said in a June 15 news release, which marks the bill's advance from the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
Military prowess in a hostile global climate is one of the bill's objectives, which Calvert worked to achieve by rechanneling $20 billion, the release said.
"To address the increasing global threats, this bill prioritizes investing in America’s military superiority, shaping a more efficient and effective workforce, promoting a culture of innovation and taking care of servicemembers," Calvert said. "Our subcommittee also scrutinized the Defense Department’s budget request and found $20 billion in cuts that I have redirected to improve the lethality and readiness of the force."
China's influence is addressed with the bill's substantial investment in Taiwan's security, prioritizing defense aid and new training offerings focused on Taiwan. To gain further military might, the bill would scrap plans to retire four ships early while investing in advanced aircraft. Additionally, the bill would provide more than $9 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, strengthening U.S. military in the Indo-Pacific.
To protect the nation from the growing threat of illegal drugs, the bill would strengthen the war against fentanyl and other illegal opioids with an infusion of $1.16 billion for drug interdiction activities and increased funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program. It would beef up enforcement against fentanyl-related crime organizations and transfer Mexico to the U.S. Southern Command for better coordination.
Additionally, the bill considers the workforce necessary to achieve these goals as it provides for servicemembers and their families through a 5.2% pay raise, including a 30% hike for junior enlisted personnel. In other supports for those who serve, the bill would take a look at on-installation child care and how to curb wait times while backing a number of youth programs such as Impact Aid and National Guard Youth Challenge, the release said.
On another workforce note, the Pentagon's staff would be optimized, the release said, with $1 billion in cuts from the president's budget request to expand the civilian workforce. The bill calls for a new look at civilian roles with a focus on warfighter-related areas like shipyards. The legislation funds the acceleration of the department's digital transformation through the Chief Data Artificial Intelligence Office as well.
Other goals outlined in the bill are boosting military modernization, advanced weaponry, vehicles and nuclear upgrades. Specifically, commanders would gain rapid tech access under this bill, which fast-tracks defense advancements.
Besides serving as a representative, Calvert has spent almost two decades as an entrepreneur in restaurants and real estate, according to his biography. A lifelong Riverside County resident, Calvert has a history of contributing to the various community groups, including Corona Chamber of Commerce, Corona Rotary and Corona-Norco Family YMCA.