Ernst Improves Military Technologies, Fights to Strengthen Supply Chain in Annual Defense Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, secured key victories for Special Operations Forces and technologies in the annual defense bill—the National Defense Authorization Act—which passed the Armed Services Committee last week.

“As a former logistics battalion commander in the Iowa Army National Guard, I fully understand the need for our technologies, equipment, and capabilities to be modern day and top notch, and for our supply chain to always remain secure – not dependent on China,” said Chairman Senator Ernst. “These measures, and the defense bill as a whole, will help ensure our troops are ready for the threats we face now and well into the future.”

Senator Ernst successfully secured a number of provisions in the committee-passed NDAA that promote technologies and will:

• Improve the U.S. supply chain for rare earth metals and battery components so we don’t rely on China
• Deploy counter-drone weapons to stop unmanned attacks on troops
• Field Artificial Intelligence technology and capabilities for Special Operations Forces
• Purchase better guns and more ammunition for Army soldiers and Marines
• Invest in the latest technology for heads-up displays and wearable tech for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines
• Encourage competition for our Army pilots to have the best radio in each aircraft

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