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Cassidy Secures Passage of Louisiana Priorities in National Defense Funding Package

Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

12.15.22

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released a statement following Senate passage of several key Louisiana priorities he worked to include in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Provisions Cassidy worked to secure include the vast majority of his SHORRE Act which includes numerous provisions to protect and restore our nation’s coastlines and rivers and provides billions for Louisiana water projects.

The NDAA already passed the House last week by a vote of 350-80, so it is on the way to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“The NDAA ensures our service members and families have the resources and support they deserve. We also strengthen our defense against natural disasters with hurricane protections for Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Thanks to Congressman Garrett Graves for partnering with me to invest in rebuilding Louisiana shorelines.”

Provisions Cassidy secured in the NDAA include:

  • $125 million to authorize the construction of a Weapons Generation Facility (WGF) at Barksdale Air Force Base
  • $61 million to authorize the construction of a new Joint Operations Center (JOC). The JOC is the command station for all of the training activities conducted at Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC).
  • $35.36 million for the authorization of an Information System Facility. This project will upgrade mechanical and data-sharing systems at Fort Polk.
  • $1.65 million for planning and design work for an Army National Guard Readiness Center in Abbeville, LA.
  • $1.65 million for planning and design work for an Air National Guard Munitions Administrative Facility in New Orleans, LA.
  • $735 million to continue to support the Air Force’s B-52 program at Barksdale Air Force Base. 
  • $41 million in military construction funding authorized for Fort Polk for the construction of a new Child Development Center
  • Establish 100% federal financing for the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet shipping channel
  • Secure $1.8 billion for Upper Barataria Basin is also for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction
  • Secure $2.2 billion in projects for Louisiana Hurricane Protection and Levee Improvements.
  • Establish 100% federal financing for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study
  • Authorized $1.245 billion for South Central Coast, Louisiana Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction funding
  • Make new investments to improve water and wastewater systems through the Corps Environmental Infrastructure Program.

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Van Hollen Statement on Permitting Reform Vote

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen

December 15, 2022

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of permitting reform legislation:

“To truly unleash the power of clean energy, we must quickly bring new, renewable energy sources online. This bill will help expedite the renewable energy and transmission projects necessary to achieve emissions reductions, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and put us on the path towards a more secure domestic energy system independent of volatile global markets. While I’ve expressed deep concerns about the precedent this legislation sets around the approval process for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, this proposal will ensure that we can deploy the full benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act. I will continue working to reduce energy costs and ensuring all Americans can benefit from our clean energy future.”

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Senate Finalizes McConnell Provisions to Strengthen Kentucky’s Water Infrastructure

Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced he secured several priorities to benefit Kentucky in the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022) that the Senate passed today.

This legislation authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to carry out projects across the country that invest in ports, harbors, and inland waterways, build resilient infrastructure, and help preserve the natural environment. A House/Senate conference committee negotiated the legislation based on the two previous bills the Senate and House passed separately. This bill now goes to the President for his signature.

“Kentucky sits at the heart of America’s inland waterways, serving as a national hub for transportation and commerce. Because of this, I’ve worked hard to advance the Commonwealth’s priorities in this year’s water infrastructure legislation to protect our natural heritage, foster development and growth, and help our waterside communities. I’m grateful my Senate colleagues approved these investments in Kentucky’s future,” said Senator McConnell.

Senator McConnell secured the following provisions to benefit Kentucky:

Kentucky Lock and Dam

Language instructing the USACE to expedite the completion of the Kentucky Lock addition project in Livingston County, Kentucky. The bill also includes language pausing Appropriations limits on projects, which will allow construction to continue even with possible cost increases.

“For years, I have used my leadership role in the United States Senate to advocate for the completion of the long-awaited Kentucky Lock and Dam project. I have helped secure more than $1 billion for this project, including over $465 million last year through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The language in this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill will help that project stay on track, even if it is hit by cost overruns driven by inflation. Once finished, the new Kentucky Lock and Dam will allow the Commonwealth to take full advantage of our prime location at the heart of America’s inland waterways system,” said Senator McConnell.

“Each year roughly 25 million tons of product pass through Kentucky Lock, supporting jobs and commerce across the Commonwealth and neighboring states. Completion of the current Kentucky Lock expansion project is paramount to optimizing this critical transportation corridor, and the language in the Senate Water Resources Development Act of 2022 is a much-needed step in the right direction. Senator McConnell is leading the effort to expedite completion of this important project, and I applaud his unwavering commitment and steadfast leadership toward improving the inland waterways system and Kentucky Lock and Dam,” said Crounse Corporation President and CEO Matt Ricketts.

Newport Waterfront Festival Park

USACE authorization to study the construction of the Waterfront Festival Park in Campbell County, Kentucky. The City of Newport seeks to create a new community space along its Ohio River waterfront. This authorization will enable USACE to map out the project, which involves flood management, ecosystem restoration, and recreation.

“Kentucky boasts many waterfront developments that serve as the gathering place of their communities. With the passage of this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill, the City of Newport will be able to coordinate with USACE to build a new waterfront community space of its own. Around the Commonwealth, these projects have fostered development, encouraged recreation, and promoted local pride. I’m proud to help Newport pursue this project to reap all these benefits too,” said Senator McConnell.

“The City of Newport is thrilled to receive authorization for the Corps to study the effects and benefits of planned improvements to our Festival Park area,” said Newport City Manager Tom Fromme. “Being a critical part of Riverfront Commons, the park is a very important asset to Newport and to the entire region. We are extremely grateful for the efforts of Senator McConnell for his work and advocacy on behalf of our City and residents.”

“This is a long-awaited milestone for the Newport Festival Park project, and we applaud Senator McConnell’s continued commitment to enhancing Northern Kentucky’s riverfront,” said Southbank President and CEO Will Weber. “The WRDA authorization for funding will enable the USACE to study the area for future recreational opportunities and continues the tremendous momentum of riverfront development through both public and private investment. “

Columbus Belmont State Park

USACE authorization to study and examine bluff stabilization at the Columbus Belmont State Park in Hickman County, Kentucky. The Park sits atop a steep bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and welcomes many visitors from the community and surrounding region. The Park faces significant erosion, so bluff stabilization efforts will help prevent future property loss.

“Columbus Belmont State Park is one of the crown jewel attractions of the Jackson Purchase but has become threatened recently by shifts in the path of the Mississippi River. I am proud to assist this Kentucky landmark in determining the best way to stabilize its bluff and prevent future erosion. These efforts will help ensure the park will be around for generations to come,” said Senator McConnell.

“We are grateful to Senator McConnell for securing authorization for a feasibility study on the Columbus Belmont State Park bluff project currently under the watch of the Corps of Engineers. Columbus Belmont State Park is one of the most picturesque parks in our great country. In the past few years, severe sloughing of the bluff has led to a dangerous situation affecting Columbus Belmont. We want to thank Senator McConnell and his staff for their tireless work in trying to save our park. It is much appreciated,” said Hickman County Judge-Executive Kenny Wilson.

Three Forks of Beargrass Creek

Funding authorization up to $129 million for the restoration of three major branches of the Beargrass Creek in Jefferson County, Kentucky. This waterway flows through Louisville, Kentucky, into the Ohio River and currently has a stressed aquatic ecosystem. The project will restore the stream’s flow and wetland habitat, improving the environmental quality of the watershed while increasing nearby communities’ access to green space and recreational opportunities.

“My hometown of Louisville is where Kentucky’s urban and natural worlds collide. In addition to promoting jobs and development in our city, I’ve also worked hard to preserve our natural beauty. Just like the Ohio River, Beargrass Creek is an integral part of Louisville and Jefferson County, and I’m glad this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill will help restore its environmental quality,” said Senator McConnell.

“This important restoration of Beargrass Creek will significantly help our community’s endeavor to enhance this highly urbanized stream by reestablishing natural features and crafting a sustainable environment. We look forward to partnering with other local agencies to bring this to fruition. We appreciate the work of Leader McConnell to move this forward in the Senate,” said Tony Parrott, Louisville MSD Executive Director.

Elkhorn Lake Improvement Project

Authorization for repairs to critical infrastructure at the Elkhorn Lake and Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam in Letcher County, Kentucky. The City of Jenkins lies below the Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam – which was built over a century ago and has not received significant improvements since then – and is threatened by the dam’s deteriorating state. These repairs will improve safety at the dam by replacing outdated infrastructure and investigating possible safety risks.

“Kentucky communities have benefitted immensely from the Commonwealth’s extensive system of dams, but these projects must be well-maintained to ensure nearby residents’ safety. I’ve made it a priority to upgrade Kentucky’s lock and dam infrastructure, and I’m glad this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill helps us improve the Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam and protect Letcher County against flooding,” said Senator McConnell.

“For years, residents of my town have worried that their homes and businesses could be threatened by deterioration at the Elkhorn Creek impoundment dam, which protects much of the City of Jenkins from flooding. This authorization will give the go-ahead for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate the necessary repairs to the dam, safeguarding our town. We deeply appreciate Senator McConnell’s work to address this critical problem and support Jenkins’ future development and growth,” said Jenkins Mayor Todd DePriest.

Asian Carp

Language that expands the effort to control and prevent the spread of Asian Carp.

“Invasive Asian Carp have already wreaked havoc on Kentucky’s inland waterways and disrupted the recreation and tourism industries that rely on them. I’ve made this issue a priority in the Senate and helped mobilize the federal government to eradicate this destructive fish. I was proud to include language in this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill to keep this endeavor at the top of USACE’s priorities and prevent the future spread of Asian Carp,” said Senator McConnell.

Riverbank Protection and Restoration Along Kentucky River Watershed

The addition of the Kentucky River and its tributaries and watersheds to USACE’s list of priority areas for flood risk management projects. This will enable the Corps to protect and restore riverbanks that were damaged in this summer’s floods. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, also advocated for including this provision.

“This summer’s flooding in Eastern Kentucky exposed the severe threat future disasters pose to the Kentucky River’s riverbanks and those of its tributaries. Realizing this danger, Congressman Rogers and I worked together to bring USACE’s attention to the region and enable future projects that will reduce flood risk. I stand with Eastern Kentucky as they rebuild from this summer’s devastation and am pursuing all options available to try and prevent future flooding disasters,” said Senator McConnell.

“We cannot go back and reverse the historic destruction that occurred after the catastrophic flooding in July, but we can supply ourselves with tools to prevent such damage in the future. Adding the Kentucky River and its tributaries and watersheds to the USACE’s list of priorities is another tool in our toolbox to help rebuild and protect our region. I want to thank Congressman Rogers and Senator McConnell for continuing to do all they can at the federal level for Eastern Kentucky,” said Kentucky State Senator Brandon Smith.

In addition to these priorities, Senator McConnell also supported the following provisions to benefit Kentucky:

Permanent 65/35 Cost-Share Adjustment for Major Inland Waterways Projects

A provision permanently adjusting the cost-share for major inland waterways projects to 65 percent from the General Fund of the Treasury and 35 percent from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. This cost-share agreement was set to expire prior to the passage of this bill.

The Inland Waterways Trust Fund receives revenue from an inland waterway user fee paid by commercial barges operating on federally designated waterways. This adjustment will allow the USACE to continue to stretch the Inland Waterways Trust Fund further, injecting federal dollars into construction projects in Kentucky and around the country.

“Kentucky has some of the best access to our nation’s inland waterways in the country, so I always look for ways to increase federal investment in infrastructure programs with a specific focus on improving inland water transportation. By making this cost-share adjustment permanent, we will allow more federal resources to flow into these types of projects, benefitting states like Kentucky with extensive inland waterway networks,” said Senator McConnell.

Cumberland River Dredging Study

Language instructing USACE to conduct a feasibility study to assess the deepening of a portion of the Cumberland River near Paducah, Kentucky, to increase the fill weight and the number of barges that can travel the river.

“Paducah prides itself on its riverfront access and has long taken advantage of its prime location to foster trade, transportation, and recreation. With the study authorized in this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill, Paducah will be able to benefit even more from its neighboring waterways by expanding the navigability of the Cumberland River,” said Senator McConnell.

Eddyville Riverport

Authorization for the sale of a USACE-owned parcel of land to the adjacent Eddyville Riverport facilities on Lake Barkley, allowing the riverport to expand its capabilities.

“Eddyville Riverport is part of Kentucky’s large and growing network of inland waterways facilities and requires new land to expand their capabilities. In this year’s Senate water infrastructure bill, I helped the Eddyville Riverport team cut through red tape and expedite the process required to acquire land from USACE. This will help the riverport expand and bring new economic opportunity to surrounding communities,” said Senator McConnell.

“We appreciate the work of Senator McConnell to assist in our expansion at the Eddyville Riverport and his dedication to the Commonwealth. The Riverport is an economic driver of our area and a vital piece in our transportation network. This expansion will allow us to grow port operations, facilitate business expansion, and attract new jobs and investments into Eddyville, Kentucky,” said Eddyville Riverport Chairman Billy Ray Coursey.

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Senator Markey Votes No on Boosting Bloated Military Budget in NDAA

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

Washington (December 15, 2022) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023:

“This bill authorizes a whopping $857 billion for defense spending next year, $45 billion more than the President requested and many billions more than Congress has invested in addressing many of the biggest security concerns facing the American people—such as climate change, the opioid epidemic, poverty, hunger, and disease. Instead, it doubles down on the failed approach of pouring money into a bloated, inefficient, and sometimes counterproductive national security machine underwritten by an army of lobbyists and gold-plated contractors that fails to deliver on the needs of the American people. I simply cannot support it.”

“While I am glad this bill includes substantive funding to help the brave people of Ukraine defend their home, and for Taiwan to improve its self-defense, we cannot continue to balloon our military budget at the expense of diplomacy and domestic priorities. We need to seriously address the fundamental drivers of today’s greatest challenges, not just recklessly pile ever-more money into the Pentagon, which has failed five audits in a row and is unable to account for more than half the money it spends.”

Senator Markey offered an amendment to the NDAA to cut just 1 percent of this proposed budget – $8.5 billion dollars – and transfer those funds to international climate financing. That amendment was not allowed a vote on the floor.

Specifically, Senator Markey voted “No” on the NDAA for fiscal year 2023 due to his concerns regarding:

  • The lack of attention in the bill to the real security threats Americans face, including climate change, substance abuse, poverty, gun violence, and disease;
  • The need to achieve greater balance between diplomatic and economic investments compared to military investments;
  • Provisions forcing the U.S. to retain a program for a brand-new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Sentinel. As former Defense Secretary Bill Perry recognizes, this weapon is not only redundant, it is risky. It has a high risk of accidental use, is less reliable than other methods of launching nuclear attacks, and costs well over $100 billion dollars; and
  • A new nuclear-armed submarine launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) funded in this bill over President Biden and Defense Secretary Austin’s opposition. This missile fails to add any new capabilities to the existing U.S. arsenal, while at the same time making nuclear use more likely, as it dangerously blurs the lines between conventional and nuclear capabilities.

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2022 Coast Guard Authorization Act Includes Sullivan’s Alaska Priorities

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

12.15.22

Bill Focuses on Arctic Capabilities, Improved Maritime Communications, Support for Coast Guardsmen & Families

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) Committee, voted today with 82 of his Senate colleagues to pass the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022. The bill was passed as part of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Sen. Sullivan championed an increase in appropriation levels that will enable the Coast Guard to carry out vessel capitalization and infrastructure development, particularly in the Arctic and Alaska, and support the Coast Guard’s wide range of missions, including stopping the movement of drugs and illegal migrants, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, combating illegal fishing, and protecting the nation’s borders. The authorization also provides significant support for Coast Guardsmen and their families through pay and benefits improvements, adjustments to basic housing allowances, and increased support for members serving in remote locations, providing service members with greater peace of mind as they fulfill their duties to the country.

“The United States Coast Guard is vital to the security of our nation, particularly in Alaska. This authorization bill makes great strides in fulfilling our commitment to this branch of the U.S. military with the support, funding and attention the Coast Guard deserves,” said Sen. Sullivan. “America’s Coast Guardsmen will have the most advanced and robust fleet of vessels and shore-side infrastructure to continue successfully executing their wide array of critical missions in defense of our nation.”

Major authorizations in the 2022 Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act include:

  • $300 million for the acquisition of a twelfth National Security Cutter.
  • $650 million for the continued acquisition of Offshore Patrol Cutters.
  • $167 million for a third Polar Security Cutter.
  • $150 million for the procurement of a commercially available icebreaker.
  • $420 million for six additional Fast Response Cutters. 

Arctic and Alaska Focus 

“Alaska is a critical focus of the U.S. Coast Guard—the state with America’s only Arctic territory and the largest Coast Guard base in the country,” said Sen. Sullivan. “With this bill, we are no longer just discussing the Arctic theoretically—we are making substantial investments. Those investments include fully funding the acquisition of a commercially available icebreaker as a gap strategy to support the Arctic mission while the Polar Security Cutters are being built, and better positioning Alaska to be the homeport location for the vessel. Also important for our state, this legislation will improve the communication systems our mariners rely on to stay safe and alert on the high seas—a key concern of Alaska fishermen in the wake of the Russian naval exercises off of our coastline in 2020.” 

Sen. Sullivan authored a number of Alaska-focused provisions in the bill, including language: 

  • Directing the Coast Guard to submit a report on the ability and a timeline to conduct a transit of the Northern Sea Route and periodic transits of the Northwest Passage. This provision is an excerpt from Sen. Sullivan’s Arctic Focus Act.
  • Authorizing the conveyance of 2.4 acres of waterfront property from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the Coast Guard to facilitate icebreaker homeporting. If not claimed by the Coast Guard, the property would instead be conveyed to the City and Borough of Juneau for use in the Juneau Small Cruise Ship Infrastructure Master Plan.
  • Requiring the Coast Guard to achieve 98 percent operational availability of remote Alaska Rescue 21 communications systems no later than August 30, 2023. This provision will improve how the public, particularly the North Pacific maritime and fishing industry, is made aware of certain outages and activities.
  • Requiring the Coast Guard to work with the Defense and State Departments, and the fishing community, to improve how U.S. mariners are notified of military exercises and activities within the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This provision comes in response to a dangerous encounter between Russian warships and Alaska fishermen in the U.S. EEZ in August 2020.  
  • Creating a civilian position to oversee and develop Alaska oil spill planning criteria, and requiring the Coast Guard commandant to develop training on the program for all personnel with duties that involve the program.
  • Directing the Coast Guard to provide contract assurances to better ensure the ability of the United States to carry out oil spill clean-ups.  
  • Ensuring that oil spill response vessels, vessels of opportunity, and fishing vessels towing boom or fishing nets are not subject to misplaced requirements to receive towing endorsements, thus eliminating discrepancies in enforcement across Districts.
  • Reauthorizing the fishing safety training grant program.
  • Providing regulatory certainty for commercial fishing vessels from onerous, unenforced regulations.
  • Allowing the use of Automatic Identification Systems to mark fishing equipment for two years, or until the FCC promulgates a final rule to authorize a device to mark the equipment.  
  • Providing relief from ill-fitting, onerous regulations for certain fishing vessels that also operate as tender vessels while the GAO conducts a study identifying an appropriate application of load line regulations.
  • Requiring the Coast Guard to maintain at least one Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program in every Coast Guard District. The provision is an outgrowth of previous legislation from Senator Sullivan that required the Coast Guard to report on the feasibility of creating a Coast Guard ROTC program.
  • Taking actions to assist the completion of the Pribilof Island transition.
  • Improving the Port Coordination Council for Point Spencer by expanding membership and establishing a chair of the council.
  • Requiring the secretary of homeland security to deny port access for vessels receiving negative certifications under the High Seas Drift Net Moratorium Protection Act, or vessels that are registered with certain nations with reports under the same act—as included in provisions of Sen. Sullivan’s FISH Act.
  • Prohibiting Russian vessels from operating in U.S. waters.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act also provides significant support for the health and well-being of Coast Guardsmen and their families. These provisions:

  • Provide a discount at military child development centers (CDCs) for families with multiple children; require certain standards of every CDC; and establish a child care subsidy program to provide financial assistance to eligible providers.
  • Better align the Coast Guard’s behavioral health policy with the DOD’s policies, an effort led by Sens. Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
  • Ensure certain members of the Coast Guard are eligible for the military’s basic needs allowance.
  • Require the Coast Guard to develop a strategy to improve the quality of life at remote installations that addresses housing, health care, and child care.
  • Require a study on housing access, costs, and associated challenges facing members of the Coast Guard.

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Senate Passes Robust FY 2023 Defense Authorization with Key Sullivan Provisions

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

12.15.22

Legislation Continues Alaska Military Build-up, Blocks Far-Left “Woke” Agenda in Military

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), voted with 82 of his Senate colleagues today to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which raises the Department of Defense’s (DOD) budget by $45 billion beyond President Joe Biden’s inadequate defense budget proposal that amounted to an inflation-adjusted cut. The legislation includes 33 provisions offered by Sen. Sullivan and authorizes $332 million in military construction and equipment for Alaska and the Arctic.

“In 2022, the world saw the first outbreak of war on the European continent in decades and escalating provocations in the Taiwan Strait. We are living in an increasingly volatile and dangerous time, given the aggressive aims of the dictators in Moscow and Beijing,” said Sen. Sullivan. “My colleagues and I have crafted a defense budget that rises to these serious national security challenges and accounts for the super-charged inflation unleashed by the Biden administration’s policies. This bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act significantly raises the top-line military budget for our troops and their families, addresses the threats posed by this new era of authoritarian aggression, and invests in the capabilities and equipment necessary for our forces to deter and, if necessary, defeat our global adversaries. 

“I want to thank my colleagues for supporting provisions I authored that will enable our military to continue to focus on its primary mission: lethality and winning our nation’s wars.” 

The Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA:

  • Authorizes $857 billion in defense funding, increasing the topline by $45 billion over the Biden administration’s anemic proposal, to address the effects of inflation and accelerate implementation of the National Defense Strategy. This budget would represent 4.6% in real growth over the FY 2022 enacted defense budget.
  • Increases funding for the procurement of combat aircraft, naval surface and undersea vessels, armored fighting vehicles, munitions, long-range fires, and short-range fires.
  • Includes a Sullivan-led authorization of $1 billion for the National Defense Stockpile, nearly $750 million more than the Biden administration’s request, to acquire strategic and critical minerals currently in shortfall.
  • Includes a provision offered by Sen. Sullivan requiring the Navy to maintain a minimum of 31 amphibious warships to support the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • Authorizes FY 2023 active-duty end strengths for the Army of 473,000; the Navy, 354,000; the Marine Corps, 177,000; the Air Force, 325,344; and the Space Force, 8,600.
  • Authorizes significant funding increases for game-changing technologies, like microelectronics, hypersonic weapons, and low-cost attritable aircraft.
  • Authorizes the full FY 2023 budget request for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), a DOD effort established in 2014 to increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, in partnership with U.S. allies, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Extends through FY 2023 the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), a DOD effort established in 2021 to increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in the Pacific, in partnership with U.S. allies, following China’s militarization of the South China Sea and other provocative actions in Asia.
  • Continues research and development of the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile.
  • Authorizes $10 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan over 5 years for key capabilities and training, and authorizes $1 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority specifically for Taiwan—something Sen. Sullivan insisted on in order to get Taiwan weapons fast and to begin the training they need to deter the Chinese Communist Party. 

Refocusing the Pentagon on Core Mission and Priorities

During the committee process on the NDAA, Sen. Sullivan secured report language pushing back on the “woke” agenda in the military being pursued by the Biden administration. Report language is sent to the Pentagon after the committee process and is not included in the NDAA text. Senator Sullivan’s report language provisions: 

  • Direct the Pentagon to discontinue further investment in a DOD-wide effort to root out “extremism” given the extraordinarily low rate of extremism in the military, as determined by the Secretary of Defense’s Countering Extremist Activity Working Group.
  • Re-emphasize lethality, deterrence and winning wars as the primary considerations when determining and implementing defense policies. 

Continuing the Military Build-up in the Arctic and Alaska – $332 Million Dollars

Senator Sullivan secured a number of Alaska- and Arctic-focused provisions in the FY 2023 NDAA, including $332 million in military construction and equipment. 

“Alaska constitutes three pillars of America’s military might,” said Sen. Sullivan. “We are the cornerstone of missile defense. Almost all of the radar systems and all of the ground-based missile interceptors protecting the whole country are located in Alaska. With over 100 fifth-generation fighter jets, we are the hub of air combat power for the Arctic and Indo-Pacific. We are a platform for expeditionary forces—Arctic-tough warriors of the newly-minted 11th Airborne Division who can quickly get to all parts of the world. Lastly, we are home to the DOD’s newest regional center, the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. Now, with $332 million authorized for military construction and maintenance, and many other provisions we were able to secure in this NDAA, our state will be further cemented as the center of gravity for America’s Arctic security operations.” 

The Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA:

  • Builds on the historic military build-up in Alaska and the Arctic over the past several years, including the arrival of the F-35 fighters at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, the establishment of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies in Anchorage, and the activation of the 11th Airborne Division.
  • Includes $300 million more than the President’s budget request to accelerate acquisition of the E-7 Wedgetail, which will replace the E-3 AWACS at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).
  • Authorizes $100 million for an extension of the runway at JBER.
  • Authorizes $68 million for a dormitory at Clear Space Force Station.
  • Authorizes $63 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at JBER, which was zeroed-out in the President’s budget proposal. 
  • Authorizes $50 million to upgrade Fort Wainwright recreational facilities, upgrades that were zeroed-out in the President’s budget proposal.
  • Provides $32.5 million for Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) and $9 million for cold-weather gear.
  • Authorizes $5.2 million for the removal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-contaminated soil at JBER, which was zeroed-out in the President’s budget proposal.
  • Authorizes $5 million for Alaska Long Range Radar Site Digitalization, which was zeroed-out in the President’s budget proposal.
  • Requires the secretary of defense to consider infrastructure improvements to strategic seaports required by the FY 2020 NDAA, like the Port of Alaska, for inclusion in the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) Program. 

Prioritizing Service Member Health & Well-being

The FY 2023 NDAA includes significant provisions focused on the mental health and well-being of service members, including seven provisions offered by Senator Sullivan, some of which are from the Don Young Arctic Warrior Act, introduced by Senators Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).

These provisions seek to expand access to mental health providers and support at remote military installations, incentivize behavioral health students to work in the military health care system upon graduation, and improve the living conditions of service members stationed in Alaska. 

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Lankford Votes to Support Oklahoma Service Members, Families, Missions

Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

12.15.22

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted to support final passage of the Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (FY23 NDAA) for Oklahoma’s military installations and national defense initiatives. The bill passed the Senate in a vote of 83-11.

“This year’s defense bill, appropriately named the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization, makes sure that Oklahoma’s three Air Force Bases—Vance, Altus, and Tinker—have the aircraft and resources to protect us now and in the future, that Ft. Sill has the artillery and training personnel needed to train and equip the next generation of warfighters, and that McAlester Army Ammunition Plant keeps meeting our national defense needs. The bill I supported today gave our service members a well-deserved pay raise and ended the vaccine mandate for our service members. National defense strategy and preparedness is an essential responsibility of Congress, this bill fulfills that responsibility.”

Lankford’s wins in the FY23 NDAA for Oklahoma’s military installations include:

  1. Maintains the missions of all of Oklahoma’s military installations and ensures they have the resources they need
  2. Provides a pay raise of 4.6 percent for military service members and the Department of Defense civilian workforce
  3. Encourages the Department of Defense to form partnerships with several of Oklahoma’s top universities, including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa and private industry to invest in Oklahoma’s future innovation in counter UAS and cybersecurity
  4. Includes Lankford’s amendment to fully fund the Tulsa VA medical center despite rising construction costs due to Biden’s high inflation
  5. Includes millions in science & technology projects that are important to Oklahoma and our military
  6. Ensures the Air Force keeps two E-3 AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base for training, rather than retiring the aircraft.
  7. Includes $300 million in additional funds to accelerate the E-7 Wedgetail, which will replace the E-3 AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base
  8. Requires the Government Accountability Office to issue a report on the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) oversight over the TRICARE managed care contracts, which will include helpful information on the DHA’s recent decision to cut 15,000 rural, independent pharmacies from its network, which Lankford has fought against for several months.
  9. Includes amendment Lankford cosponsored to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all service members

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Sen. Cramer, EPW Leaders Celebrate Passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) secured passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA 2022) as part of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 83-11 in the Senate.

WRDA 2022 is biennial legislation that authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The 2022 Water Resources Development Act delivers big wins for not only North Dakota, but the entire United States. It embraces states’ water rights, improves recreational access, supports flood mitigation initiatives, and establishes policies to better develop and utilize Corps projects. This bill came together through regular order and within the two-year timeframe, and proves when we work in a cooperative manner, we can make meaningful progress. Thank you to Chairman Carper, Ranking Member Capito, and Chairman Cardin for their leadership and commitment to getting this done,” said Senator Cramer.  

“I’m thrilled the Senate passed our bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022, which tackles water resources challenges across the country,” said Senator Capito. “WRDA 2022 supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in its mission to address local and regional concerns, while continuing to advance national priorities. For West Virginia, projects in communities across our state will receive the resources and support needed to make progress on critical issues, such as addressing flood risk. This legislation is another example of commonsense, bipartisan collaboration on the EPW Committee to improve America’s infrastructure, and I’m looking forward to the president signing it into law.”

“Today, we are again demonstrating what is possible when we work together to deliver meaningful, bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing our nation’s water resources,” said Senator Carper. “The Water Resources Development Act of 2022 will better position the Army Corps of Engineers for the future, help more communities protect themselves from the mounting impacts of climate change, restore critical ecosystems, and keep our economy moving forward. I am grateful to Senators Capito, Cardin, and Cramer for being outstanding partners in developing this year’s Water Resources Development Act and helping get this bill across the finish line. I look forward to President Biden signing this historic water infrastructure legislation into law.” 

“This year’s Water Resources Development Act adds another win for Maryland and the country to a remarkably productive Congress,” said Senator Cardin. “Our bipartisan bill supports supply chains, takes climate change seriously, and expands Army Corps assistance for disadvantaged communities. It also provides new opportunities for maintenance dredging for small harbors such as those in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. WRDA 2022 will deliver real benefits in Maryland and across the country, and I look forward to its enactment and implementation.”

WRDA is biennial legislation that authorizes flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). It passed unanimously out of the EPW Committee in May. Through his leadership in crafting WRDA, Senator Cramer has secured the inclusion of North Dakota water priorities. Learn more here.

North Dakota Priorities Secured by Senator Cramer Include:

  • Creation of the Western Water Cooperative Committee: Ensures USACE flood control projects in Western States are operated consistent with congressional directives and adhere to state water rights and water laws. The committee establishes a platform for Western states to work out water appropriation and other issues with the USCACE.
  • Permanent Elimination of Surplus Water Fees: Since coming to Congress, Senator Cramer worked to enact temporary prohibitions on these potential fees.
  • Increased Section 594 Program Funding Authority: $100 million to assist public entities to design and construct water and wastewater infrastructure. Senator Cramer previously announced funding awards for projects in North Dakota utilizing the 594 program including:
  • Encourages the Army Corps to Retain Recreation Fees: USACE facilities can use the funds for the operations and maintenance of the site at the point of collection. This would align the USACE with other federal land management agencies’ practices, allowing USACE districts to plan local maintenance and repair projects without Washington approval. 
  • Expedited Public Recreation Facility Restoration: During periods of low water, USACE is able to accept and use materials, services, and funds from non-federal interest to repair, restore, or rehabilitate a public recreation facility, such as boat ramps, and reimburse the non-federal interest for the federal share.
  • Updated Hydrology in the Souris River Basin: The bill authorizes the USACE to assess hydrologic changes affecting the “1989 Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the United States of America for Water Supply and Flood Control in The Souris River Basin and its operations” due to increased flood risk.
  • Water Control Manual Updates: Directs the USACE, at the request of a governor, to update water manuals for waters of a state in which the governor declared a statewide drought disaster in 2021 with priority given to those waters that accommodate a water supply project.
  • Red River Basin Operation and Maintenance Authorization Extension: The bill extends existing authorization allowing the USACE to provide assistance for the operation and maintenance of Devils Lake flood risk reduction projects for four more years.

Other Key Initiatives Include:

  • Increased federal cost share funding levels for the Tribal Partnership Program to plan, design, and construct authorized water resource activities.
  • Increased invasive species management funding by $25 million for invasive species partnerships and extends an Upper Missouri River Basin invasive species management pilot program by two years.
  • NEPA tracking requires the establishment of a process to track and report on the number of studies and the length of time it takes the USACE to complete them.
  • Funding to process permits by allowing a mitigation bank sponsor to contribute funds to expedite permit processing.   
  • Non-Federal interest advisory committee to develop and make recommendations to the USACE on activities and actions to ensure more effective and efficient delivery of water resources development projects, programs, and other assistance.
  • Government Accountability Office Review of USACE compensatory mitigation regulations and practices.
  • Report on investments for recreation areas which requires USACE to outline its deferred maintenance projects, a plan to fund the projects, a description of efforts to coordinate investments in recreational facilities, and an assessment of federal contracting requirements.  
  • USACE military personnel augmentation expands the types of U.S. Army personnel entitled to receive certain pay and allowances while assigned to the USACE on nonmilitary public works projects. Senator Cramer cosponsored Senator Round’s bipartisan legislation mirroring the provision in WRDA, the USACE Military Personnel Augmentation Act of 2021.

Click here for bill text.

Background:

Senator Cramer holds jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a member of both the Senate EPW and Armed Services Committees. 

Last Congress, Senator Cramer wrote and secured numerous North Dakota water infrastructure projects in the year-end spending bill.

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Sen. Cramer: Senate Passes the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), issued the following statement after the Senate passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The FY 2023 NDAA was named in honor of Senator Inhofe (R-OK) to commemorate his 35 years of public service in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

“While this bill should have been passed months ago, providing for the common defense is a founding principle and absolutely critical responsibility of Congress. The NDAA invests in our national security and our brave service members and their families. It contains funding for North Dakota’s military assets and missions in Minot, Grand Forks, and Cavalier while providing support for our state’s National Guard and the entire North Dakota military community. It also emphasizes nuclear modernization programs and protects our strategic deterrent to keep pace with our adversaries. I’m pleased to see the final version include my amendment on contract flexibility to better allow the Pentagon to tackle rising costs in the defense supply chain,” said Senator Cramer.

Senator Cramer secured the following amendments to strengthen this annual legislation:

  1. Allows the Department of Defense (DoD) to modify contracts to address rising costs due to record-high inflation and supply chain issues.
  2. Retains leadership positions at the Space Development Agency (SDA) to ensure continued, high-level management of the agency by leaders from the space industry, leveraging their expertise to keep the U.S. at the forefront of space technologies that deter or defeat our adversaries.
  3. Removes the current cap on how many excess planes the DoD can transfer to other federal agencies and allow the transfer of aircraft to states for emergency response and wildfire suppression purposes. Learn more here.

FY23 NDAA Topline Provisions:

The FY23 NDAA – which passed through SASC overwhelmingly with a vote of 23-3 and has been conferenced with the House Armed Services Committee – is a $858 billion bill to provide for the national defense of the United States. Specifically, this NDAA:

  1. Rescinds the COVID vaccine mandate, preventing any further discharges based on COVID vaccine status.
  2. Supports the DoD by increasing the topline authorization to $45 billion above what this administration requested. The increase will begin to fill the gaps created by Biden’s inflation and Putin’s war in Ukraine, while continuing to fund efforts to keep pace with China’s growing military and nuclear capabilities.
  3. Strengthens the all-volunteer force through a 4.6 percent pay raise, increases in impact aid and basic needs allowance thresholds, and additional funding for recruiting and retention efforts effected by inflation.
  4. Provides our military services and combatant commanders with the resources needed to deter, and if necessary, defeat adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and violent extremist organizations around the world.
  5. Enhances deterrence by recapitalizing and modernizing the U.S. nuclear triad; ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of our nuclear stockpile, delivery systems, and infrastructure; increasing capacity in theater and homeland missile defense; and strengthening nonproliferation programs.

Learn more here.

North Dakota Projects and Priorities:

As the first-ever North Dakotan to serve on an Armed Services committee in Congress, Senator Cramer has used his seat on SASC to secure funding authorization and language for missions both directly and indirectly benefiting North Dakota’s military community. This year’s bill fully funds nuclear modernization efforts, supports efforts to develop increased intelligence capabilities, grows the Space Force, and authorizes multiple North Dakota military projects.

Minot Air Force Base (AFB):

  1. Provides $3.6 billion for Sentinel (Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)) modernization.
    1. Since becoming a member of SASC, Senator Cramer has been a vocal supporter of the nation’s nuclear triad and has pushed military leaders at the highest levels to keep GBSD funded and on-time.
  2. Provides $735 million for B-52 commercial engine replacement program (CERP) and radar modernization.
  3. Provides $39 million for the Nuclear Command, Control & Communication (NC3) program, which will modernize the communications equipment used at Minot AFB.
  4. Limits the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) count to no less than 400 total protecting our nuclear deterrent.
  5. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report on the feasibility of Bomber Agile Combat Employment (BACE).

Grand Forks AFB:

  1. Space Development Agency (SDA)
    1. Directs the Secretary of Defense to review and make a recommendation for SDA to implement middle-tier acquisition authority (MTA) to allow them to continue rapid acquisition.
    2. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a briefing on the transition of SDA to the Space Force and efforts to ensure it can use MTA and hire necessary personnel.

Cavalier Space Force Station:

  1. Adds $3 million for Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) modernization.
  2. Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a report on the feasibility of upgrading PARCS, the consequences of not doing so, and the gaps that would result from a failure of the system.

 North Dakota Army National Guard and Air National Guard:

  1. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilots Mental Health: Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to study the work-life balance of drone operators and their health and welfare.
  2. National Guard Promotion Improvement: Provides for the backdating of effective date of rank for reserve officers in the National Guard due to undue delays in Federal recognition.

 Key North Dakota Projects:

  1. Antibody Development: Encourages the enhancement of and additional funding for the Department of Defense’s end-to-end antibody development program in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. This applies to the North Dakota company Genovac, which has been critical in advancing antibody discovery.
  2. Intranasal Ketamine: Recommends the Department of Defense conduct pre-clinical testing and clinical trials of intranasal ketamine such that results may be used to facilitate FDA approval for acute pain management. This advances work done at numerous North Dakota ketamine treatments clinics.
  3. Swift Water Training: Encourages the National Guard to use facilities that provide a safe, realistic environment to train for flood rescues.
  4. Authorizes assignment pay or special duty pay for service members stationed in extreme climate locations.

This is the fourth NDAA Senator Cramer has helped craft as a member of SASC. In 2019, he was able to shepherd through the creation of the USSF, and in 2020 and 2021, he was able to secure a host of pro-North Dakota provisions in the legislation.

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Sen. Cramer Statement on Senate Permitting Vote

Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting against Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) “permitting reform” legislation:

“I am in favor of permitting reform and I appreciate Chairman Manchin’s fervor, but the electricity transmission section is particularly troubling. It expands federal influence over the grid and allows the cost socialization of very expensive localized renewable projects meaning rural communities paying for city projects or Midwesterners paying for coastal projects. This upends long settled rate design law. I worked with Chairman Manchin and progress was made, but private interaction cannot replace open regular order where the public and other elected officials can help review and refine the final product. I urge Chairmen Manchin and Carper to be proactive next Congress on permitting reforms. They will still have a willing partner in me.”

Background:

Last week, Senator Cramer discussed the “permitting reform” package with Larry Kudlow on Fox Business. Learn more here.

In September, Senator Cramer proposed changes to Senator Manchin’s “permitting reform” legislation including the following amendments:

  • Approving the existing Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Dakota Access Pipeline and explicitly states an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required nor is the EA subject to judicial review;
  • Establishing a shot clock for infrastructure permits. If a project is not approved within the 1-year and 2-year timeframe, the project is deemed approved; and
  • Striking the transmission siting section of the bill.