South OC Times

The House of Representatives has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes two key provisions authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48).

The first provision, adopted during the House Armed Services Committee, authorizes the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Navy Captain (Ret.) Royce Williams, a constituent of California’s 48th District. Williams is recognized for his acts of valor during the Korean War, where he shot down over four Soviet MiGs in a solo dogfight, ensuring the safety of his shipmates aboard the USS Oriskany.

The second provision, amendment 310, mandates that a range of federal agencies led by the State Department develop and present to Congress a recurring assessment on how the United States and key partners would respond to military aggression by China against Taiwan.

House Republicans also highlighted several other achievements in the NDAA:

- Fully funding national defense while cutting costs and improving efficiency.

- Enhancing servicemember quality of life to address military recruitment, retention, and readiness.

- Increasing oversight and requiring accountability from the Biden Administration.

- Improving military readiness, strengthening the industrial base, and supporting innovative technologies for warfighters.

- Providing unprecedented support for Israel and resources necessary to counter adversaries.

- Continuing Department of Defense support for law enforcement operations along southwest and maritime borders.

"This year’s NDAA advances America’s interest around the world and sees to the needs of our veterans,” said Rep. Issa. “I’m especially proud the legislation includes two lasting priorities: Countering CCP aggression and awarding history’s real Top Gun – the great Royce Williams – with the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

Full text of the House-approved NDAA can be found here.