WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement after the House passed the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA).

“I proudly voted to support our brave service members and their families who are serving at Fort Knox and all around the world. The National Defense Authorization Act increases pay for our troops and ensures that our military has the resources necessary to help keep our competitive edge against our adversaries like China and Russia.

“I am very pleased that the NDAA approves more than $69 million in funding for the construction of Fort Knox’s new Van Voorhis Elementary School. Throughout Kentucky, I am thankful for our National Guard’s efforts to help with COVID-19 response efforts, and this NDAA will provide much-deserved health benefits for these hardworking men and women serving in the National Guard. Our service members have been stepping up to the plate during the COVID-19 health public emergency to protect our national security and public health, and this legislation provides COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, and other critical supplies needed for our troops. Additionally, this NDAA expands benefits for families of service members, such as improved access to childcare and mental health care.

“It was an honor to be appointed and to serve on the conference committee this year to ensure Fort Knox and all of our armed forces have the support and resources needed to complete their mission and protect our national security. For decades, we have supported our troops each year in a bipartisan manner through the NDAA, and I am glad to see this bipartisan tradition continue in order to support of our service members and their families,” said Guthrie.