Suffolk Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County), a Navy Veteran, announced his support for the passage of H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act; H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act; and H.R. 8771, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) Appropriations Act.

“I am proud to help pass three bills to support our military and my fellow Veterans, secure the border, and keep American families safe at home and abroad,” said LaLota. “These bills include vital provisions I championed, including language to counteract the malign influences of China, Russia, and Iran; reinforce our unwavering support for key allies such as Israel and Taiwan; and address the ongoing border crisis by holding President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas accountable.”

LaLota also highlighted efforts to secure language supporting the release of citizens wrongfully detained in China, such as Kai Li of Huntington. Additionally, he emphasized improvements in airport security screenings, funding for the Disaster Relief Fund, and support for law enforcement.

The Homeland Security funding bill includes several amendments put forward by LaLota:

- Support for Coast Guard recruitment and retention efforts;

- Emphasis on repairing infrastructure at Coast Guard Stations;

- Procurement of new aviation security checkpoint technology;

- $300 million allocated for border security technology;

- $4.1 billion for custody operations to fund 50,000 detention beds;

- $822 million for transportation and removal operations of removable undocumented migrants;

- $22.7 billion for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund;

- $720 million for firefighter grants.

The DoD funding bill incorporates several priorities from LaLota:

- A 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel;

- An additional 15% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers totaling $2.5 billion;

- $500 million allocated to Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs;

- Additional funding for Network Tactical Common Data Link development;

- Promotion of military recruitment programs at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum;

- Reporting requirements on DoD Manual implementation status;

- $4 billion investment in Submarine Industrial Base workforce development programs.

The SFOPS funding bill includes:

- Support for strengthening efforts by the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs regarding American citizens detained in China.

- Allocation of $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing to Israel.

- Prioritization of policies combating fentanyl flow into the U.S.

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