Gaetz, Dunn respond to House passing defense act to undo ‘woke’ and ‘divisive’ agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FLV) – Florida Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Neal Dunn expressed support of the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024.

Gaetz highlighted many of his amendments and funding that he secured for his district and the nation as a whole.

Some of the work included efforts to “eliminate” the position of Chief Diversity Officer in the Department of Defense, while also requiring the department of submit the total costs of providing critical race theory, to Congress.

“This bill is a victory for Northwest Florida and further cements our reputation as America’s premier location for military training,” Gaetz said. “My funding priorities in the NDAA include $100 million for a new advanced helicopter training system hanger at NAS Whiting Field and $20 million intended for repairs to the Blue Angels hangar at NAS Pensacola.”

Gaetz also applauded his amendments that passed relating to “woke ideology” as he intends for diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as critical race theory, to be “completely eradicated from the military.”

“As we move forward, I remain dedicated to advocating for the welfare and interests of our nations service men and women, so many of whom reside in our communities,” he closed.

Dunn also provided a statement showing his support of the House’s bill passage.

“As a veteran and representative of a district with a significant military presence, taking care of our troops is a top priority of mine,” he said.

Dunn said that the act is “full of provisions to rein in government overreach” and undo an “unnecessary and divisive” agenda that does nothing to help our service members.

“The bill also includes meaningful measures to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression,” he added. “Above all, this bill supports the brave men and women who serve with a pay increase of 5.2%.”

Dunn pointed out that the bill did not pass with everything he wanted. One of his amendments that failed would have provided backpay for service members who were separated because they refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Regardless, he said he is proud of the work that was accomplished as the cooperation on the bill is “critical” to keep the nation strong.

”I look forward to working with my colleagues to resolve outstanding issues not included in this year’s NDAA,” he finished.

The legislation passed 219-210 with nearly a complete partisan split.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., shared his opposition to the legislation in a statement on Wednesday.

“This is a sham bill that has ignored the real issues of our defense budget in an effort to attack service members and prop up baseless culture wars – I am proud to have joined an overwhelming number of my Democratic colleagues in voting against it,” he said.