Spectator NZ

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

December 15, 2022

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is chair of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Subcommittee on Airland, highlighted several key priorities she authored and successfully included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 83-11 today. The FY2023 NDAA authorizes funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), sets our nation’s defense policy and ensures that our servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation. Duckworth’s priorities in the FY2023 NDAA include provisions to address the scourge of military hunger by expanding the Basic Needs Allowance, reduce the DoD’s reliance on foreign oil, improve the promotion process for National Guard members, enhance our military’s readiness by bolstering supply chains as well as transitioning to clean energy and strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The NDAA also includes a 4.6% pay raise for our troops.

“The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country stands behind them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country and our Constitution,” said Duckworth. “Though I do not support every provision, I’m proud that the bipartisan bill we passed today includes a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and several of my provisions to support our servicemembers, improve military readiness, reduce reliance on foreign oil, boost development of clean energy, enhance strategic partnerships and strengthen our national security. I look forward to the President signing this important bill into law so our troops know we have their backs.”

Key Duckworth provisions included in this year’s NDAA would:

Support a Strong and Ready Total Force by:

• Expanding Eligibility for Military Nutrition Allowances: A Duckworth-authored provision that amends last year’s Basic Needs Allowance to expand the pool of military members who qualify for the support by adjusting the maximum income from 130% to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, which will enable more military members to access needed nutritional support in the face of growing military hunger challenges. In last year’s NDAA, Duckworth successfully advocated for the inclusion of a modified version of her bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act, which created a basic needs allowance for servicemembers below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines to assist them with affording basic necessities, particularly food.
• “Far too many of our military families experience hunger because of unintended barriers that make them unable to access essential nutrition assistance programs,” Duckworth said regarding this provision. “As someone whose family relied on public nutrition programs after my father lost his job, and who served in uniform for most of my adult life, I’m so glad this year’s NDAA will expand the Basic Needs Allowance to help make sure more of our servicemembers and their families have enough to eat.”

• Improving the Promotions Process for the National Guard: Duckworth-authored provisions based off her National Guard Promotion Improvement Act to improve the promotion process for officers and warrant officers in the National Guard by addressing significant delays, mandating backpay for delays and streamlining the process.
• “Every day, our National Guardsmen and women work to protect and defend our Constitution as well as respond to communities in times of crisis—the least we can do is make sure they receive their earned promotion in a timely manner, so their pay and benefits match the job they’re doing,” said Duckworth when introducing this standalone legislation. “The current bureaucratic process results in lengthy delays that are unacceptable. Every member of the National Guard deserves their promotions to be recognized on time so they don’t fall behind in their careers, which is why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that would assess and review the process, provide recommendations to improve it and ensure backpay for delayed promotions.”

• Identifying Barriers to Accessing Affordable Healthcare for Reservists and Their Families: A provision based off Duckworth’s Access to Healthcare for Reservists Act that would authorize a professional analysis of the true budgetary impacts and improvements to readiness that would result from expanding access to DoD healthcare for members of the Reserve Components and their family members, ultimately allowing Congress to build an actionable plan for improving access to affordable healthcare for Reservists and their families.

• Supporting Partners in the Fight Against ISIS: A Duckworth-authored provision expressing strong support for our assistance to Iraqi Security Forces, including Kurdish Peshmerga Forces, in their ongoing work to defend Iraq and its people from the threat of ISIS. This provision would authorize an assessment of these partner forces’ capabilities to counter air and missile threats, including those posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and what training and equipment would be required to improve their air defense capabilities.

Lead in the Indo-Pacific Region by:

• Enhancing Taiwan’s Self-Defense Capabilities: A modified version of Duckworth’s bipartisan Strengthen Taiwan’s Security Act, which requires the Secretary of Defense to create a proactive plan—building on lessons learned from the crisis in Ukraine—to deliver lethal aid to Taiwan in the event of a contingency, as well as assess other capabilities critical to Taiwan’s self-defense.
• “Taiwan is an important strategic partner for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region, and, as China continues its destabilizing policies, I am strongly committed to helping Taiwan develop its military defenses,” said Duckworth when introducing this standalone legislation. “That’s one of the reasons I introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen our support for Taiwan and provide it with the tools it needs to protect itself from any unwarranted attack.”

Build the Logistics Enterprise for a Combat-Credible Deterrent by:

• Increasing Access to Repair Parts for DoD Aircraft: A modified version of Duckworth’s Improved Military Aviation Readiness Act to authorize the DoD to include Federal Aviation Administration-certified overhauled parts as part of its supply chain, improving both aircraft readiness by increasing access to repair parts and value to the taxpayer by purchasing overhauled, used parts instead of new ones.

• Improving Agility in National Defense Stockpile Acquisitions: A Duckworth-authored provision to amend the National Stockpile Act to provide the National Defense Stockpile Manager with new acquisition authority. The new authority will enable greater flexibility and speed in acquiring new material without sacrificing appropriate Congressional oversight.

• Bringing Critical Defense Capabilities to Airlift: Duckworth championed an investment of $5 million above the original budget request into an infrared threat suppression system on the C-17 that provides critical self-defense against advanced surface-to-air threats, improving survivability for important airlift aircraft flown by Air Mobility Command and others.

Tackle Climate Change and Defend the Environment by:

• Investing in a Proven Program that Promotes DoD Use of Sustainable Materials: Provision from Duckworth’s Depend on Domestic (DOD) Clean Energy Act to provide an additional $3 million investment in a program that evaluates existing commercially available sustainable products against military requirements to increase DoD and other federal agencies’ use of sustainable products. This will allow the program to evaluate additional products and increase awareness about their military usability, decreasing the environmental impact of military operations and forces globally.
• “We know that climate change is real and it’s threatening our military readiness, the safety of our men and women in uniform and our national security,” said Duckworth when introducing this standalone legislation. “While the military has started working to address this, we need to provide them with the resources to further act to curb the impacts of climate change before it’s too late, like pivoting further away from fossil fuels and investing instead in clean energy. That’s why I introduced the Depend on Domestic (DOD) Clean Energy Act to support DoD’s energy resilience efforts by giving it the tools it needs to diversify its energy sources and reduce its fuel needs.”

• Establishing a Pilot for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A modified version of Duckworth’s Reduce Our Military’s Reliance on Foreign Fuel Act that would create a DoD pilot program on the use of sustainable aviation fuels. The pilot program would be tasked with identifying logistics challenges, promoting education and developing crucial relationships with commercial providers. This text also directs DoD to develop a plan on how to implement the use of blended sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions and meet Department-wide targets.

• Enhancing DoD Remediation of Harmful Chemicals: Duckworth supported several provisions that will improve the Department’s efforts to detect and clean up harmful chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which is important to the health and safety of servicemembers and communities on and near military bases.

Restore American Competitiveness by:

• Enhancing the Department of Defense’s High Performance Computing Modernization Program: Duckworth pushed for an additional investment in DoD’s High Performance Computing Modernization Program, which would provide DoD with advanced simulation and computing services that will reduce the cost of designing, prototyping and testing novel weapon systems.

• Modernizing Fighter Aviation Technology: Duckworth-supported funding for ongoing software modernization and technology refresh programs for the Navy and Marine Corps’ F-35 programs. This funding will allow for updates to 24 aircraft, ensuring warfighters are able to maintain the most advanced platforms needed to meet the evolving threats.

• Improving the National Guard’s Ability to Fight All-Domain Operations: Duckworth championed the inclusion of $350 million to equip two National Guard divisions with a company each of MQ-1 Gray Eagles to bring their equipment in line with active component divisions.

• Modernize Army Vehicles: Additional investment of $400 million above the original budget request in the Army’s efforts to replace its aging M113 vehicle fleet with the new Armored Multi-Purpose Fighting Vehicle.

• Accelerating the Fielding of the Most Advanced Abrams Tank: Duckworth-supported additional investment in the fielding of the M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks to allow the Army to meet its fielding plan for the latest tank technology.

The NDAA also includes the text of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022, which features three Duckworth-authored provisions, that would strengthen our Coast Guard by:

• Establishing an Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Language directing the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish a set of activities to coordinate the efforts of the Coast Guard to develop and mature artificial intelligence technologies and transition such technologies into operational use where appropriate.

• Reviewing Artificial Intelligence Applications and Establishment of Performance Metrics: Language directing the Commandant to identify the resources necessary to improve the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology in platforms, processes and operations. Also directs the Commandant to establish performance objectives and accompanying metrics for the incorporation of artificial intelligence into platforms, processes and operations.

• Collaborating on Cyber Data Management: Language directing the Commandant to work with the Commander of United States Cyber Command and the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to develop policies and operating procedures governing access to and the ingestion, structure, storage and analysis of information and data relevant to the Coast Guard Cyber Mission.

Duckworth, an Iraq War Veteran who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, is a Purple Heart recipient and one of the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) during her four years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she authored numerous provisions aimed at improving servicemember quality of life, reducing government waste and promoting job creation. Last year, Duckworth also authored several provisions to tackle military hunger, enhance Air Force capacity, strengthen military parental leave, increase monthly incentive pay for Guardsmen and women as well as Reservists with critical skills, improve access to military child care and more.

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Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the statement below after the Senate approved a stopgap funding bill to keep the government running through December 23, giving lawmakers additional time to negotiate and pass a full government spending bill. The resolution, passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, now heads to the President’s desk for signature.

“We’re glad to have voted for today’s continuing resolution, which will keep the government open and allow Congress additional time to come to an agreement on critical government funding legislation. Government shutdowns are pointless and painful for the Americans who are forced to work without pay or forced to forgo essential government services. We will continue pushing to pass a full government funding bill ahead of the new December 23^rd deadline. Failing to do so could stall progress and undercut many of the key investments made through the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law.”

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Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today applauded Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the country’s annual defense bill.

“As the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am keenly aware of the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act. I’m proud to have voted to pass legislation that will boost our national security by providing support for our servicemembers and their families, investing in projects that increase military readiness, and supporting critical jobs in Virginia while reinforcing our commitment to Ukraine’s fight against authoritarian brutality. I look forward to President Biden signing this legislation quickly,” said Sen. Warner.

The package provides $857.9 billion in funding for our nation’s defense, and includes a number of Warner-championed provisions that would:

• Help provide better housing support for servicemembers and their families. These provisions direct DoD to reevaluate methodologies for calculating the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to better reflect servicemembers’ housing needs, and look at barriers to home ownership that are unique to members of the military. These provisions are based on two Warner-sponsored bills, the BAH Calculation Improvement Act and the Increasing Home Ownership for Servicemembers Act.

• Authorize more than $285 million in funding for 14 military construction projects in Virginia, including in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Dahlgren, Newport News, Ft. Belvoir, Langley, and at the Pentagon:
  • $125 million for Submarine Pier 3 at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • $47.72 million for a Dry Dock Saltwater System for CVN-78 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
  • $26.6 million for a SOF (Special Forces) operations building addition at Dam Neck.
  • $19 million for a primary distribution substation at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads.
  • $18 million for a commercial vehicle inspection facility at the Pentagon.
  • $16.86 million for submarine logistics support facilities at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • $10.5 million for Langley AFB for Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.
  • $10.4 million for G/ATOR (Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar) support facilities at Dam Neck.
  • $10 million to support research and development of advanced fuels to support future DOD energy requirements. This development would happen at BWXT in Lynchburg, cementing Lynchburg’s leadership as a center for innovation.
  • $3.4 million for backup power generation at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads.
  • $2.5 million for electrical substation upgrades at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.
  • $2.3 million for Child Development Center planning and development at Naval Station Norfolk.
  • $1.23 million for Weapons Integration and Test Campus planning and development at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division.
  • $1.1 million for a secondary cooling system at NCE Springfield at Fort Belvoir.

• Accelerate the construction of two new Child Development Centers in Hampton Roads to help provide critical child care for infants and children on installations. This provision mirrors a Congressionally Directed Spending request made by Sen. Warner to help address the larger challenges military families face with the supply of available child care.

• Accelerate the construction of two new Child Development Centers in Hampton Roads to help provide critical child care for infants and children on installations. This provision mirrors a Congressionally Directed Spending request made by Sen. Warner to help address the larger challenges military families face with the supply of available child care.

• Overhaul how the military understands and studies food insecurity among members of in the military. The provision – based on an amendment led in the Senate by Sen. Warner – will improve how the military collects data and analyzes rates of food insecurity among servicemembers and their families, to better measure and more effectively address the concerning issue of food insecurity in the military.

• Support the critical work of the U.S. Intelligence Community by including the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (IAA). The IAA allocates funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight of the Intelligence Community.

• Bring federal data collection into the 21^st century and boost financial transparency by modernizing data collection by the federal financial regulators. This provision is based on Sen. Warner’s Financial Data Transparency Act, which requires these regulators to develop common data formatting standards that promote the usability and organization of financial data they already collect from regulated institutions – rules that will make data easier for the public to use and for agencies to process.

The bill also includes a number of other crucial measures supported by Sen. Warner.

To support investments in our nation’s defense and diplomatic capabilities, this bill would:

• Support Navy shipbuilding with $32.6 billion in funding for the procurement of 11 battle force ships, including full funding for the Columbia-class submarine program and for the procurement of two Virginia-class submarines. The bill also would reverse plans for the early retirement of 12 vessels in the coming year. The legislation also guarantees a minimum of 31 operational amphibious warfare ships for the Navy and Marine Corps.

• Support the critical work of the U.S. State Department by advancing funding and a range of provisions vital to supporting our nation’s diplomatic efforts the men and women who work tirelessly to advance those around the world.

• Support the work of the U.S. Coast Guard with more than $28 billion in funding.

• Authorize nearly $132 million for defense research activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority Serving Institutions. Last year, Sen. Warner successfully led an effort in the NDAA to better position HBCUs and MSIs to compete for federal research dollars.

For members of the military and their families, this bill would:

• Authorize a 4.6 percent pay raise to servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilians.

• Take steps to address the suicide and mental health crisis in the military by directing DoD to undertake more detailed research into mental health and rates of suicide. This provision seeks to provide a better understanding of the different ramifications across military career fields. It also directs an Inspector General review of efforts by the Navy to prevent and respond to suicides in light of deaths in the Hampton Roads region and elsewhere.

• Make historic reforms to the military justice system’s handling of certain offenses, including sexual assaults. Following years of tireless effort by advocates, this bill would remove commanders from all prosecutorial and judicial functions for a range of covered offenses. Sen. Warner is a proud sponsor of Sen. Gillibrand’s Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act of 2021, which, combined with bipartisan efforts across both Chambers this year, formed the foundation for these reforms.

• Tackle issues with military housing by:
  • Extending DoD’s authority to raise the Basic Allowance for Housing for military families living in higher-cost areas of the country.
  • Improving oversight over military housing issues and codifying the position of Chief Housing Officer. Sen. Warner has pushed to have a single, designated lead for housing at DoD to improve accountability to residents as well as Congress, and to promote and increase coordination.
  • Requiring the Secretary of Defense to implement health-related recommendations made by the Department’s Inspector General related to privatized military housing.

• Tackle food insecurity by:
  • Expanding eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance to help ensure that all men and women in uniform and their families have the basic necessities they need. The Basic Needs Allowance was created through the Warner-sponsored Military Hunger Prevention Act, and is aimed at combating disturbing rates of food insecurity in the military.
  • Creating a pilot program to better address rates of food insecurity among veterans. This provision would offer grant funding to organizations that are actively working to address this challenge.
  • Adding $210 million in authorized funding for the military’s commissary system to help support food access for servicemembers and their families.

• Increase access to timely child care for military families who undergo a permanent change of station by creating a pilot program to provide child care-related reimbursement to these families.

For the ongoing effort to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s authoritarianism, this bill would:

• Extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) – one of the main tools used by the U.S. in support of Ukraine’s defensive needs – and authorize $800 million for this program in the coming fiscal year.
• Authorize more than $6 billion to fully fund the European Deterrence Initiative.
• Hold Russia accountable for its atrocities by stating that the United States will collect, analyze, and preserve evidence related to Russian war crimes, and will assist in pursuing appropriate accountability for those responsible.

• Increase transparency and accountability by taking steps to ensure that Inspectors General are able to adequately conduct oversight of U.S. funding to ensure it is most effectively being applied in support of Ukraine’s efforts.
• Express the full commitment of the United States to NATO and to continuing Ukrainian assistance during Russia’s violent and illegal invasion.
• Authorize more than $2.7 billion for munitions production capacity, and direct an assessment of our defense industrial base’s capacity long-term.

To bolster our ability to compete in the 21^st century, this bill would:

• Continue to strengthen U.S.-India relations by directing the Departments of Defense and State to pursue greater engagement and expanded cooperation with India related to emerging technology, joint R&D, defense and cyber capabilities, and other opportunities for collaboration – including for reducing India’s reliance on Russian-built defense equipment. These provisions support an effort by Sen. Warner, co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, to highlight the importance of our defense partnership with India, and to support accelerated efforts by India to diversify defense systems.

• Better invest in emerging technologies by boosting funding for basic and applied research and development of advanced tech by $2.85 billion including the allocation of funding for research at Virginia-based institutions Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University.

• Support the commercialization of critical capabilities by authorizing $300 million in funding for new bio-manufacturing facilities.
• Authorize an increase of $120 million for 5G technology R&D and transition support.

• Authorize an increase of $75 million for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as it looks to implement recommendations put forward by the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (AI). It would also authorize an increase of $50 million for AI at U.S. Cyber Command, and require more strategic, longer-term planning related to DoD’s efforts to rapidly adopt AI to relevant cyber missions.
• Support DARPA’s quantum computing activities with an increase of $20 million.
• Increase productivity and cooperation in microelectronics by establishing a working group of government, private sector, and academia experts to better enable coordination and consultation related to R&D and manufacturing.
• Support technology improvements and advancements in our military by requiring the DoD to report transition plans for 5-G communications infrastructure at all military installations as well as establish a consortium specifically for the purpose of studying cybersecurity problems within the DoD.  

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Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

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Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

December 15, 2022

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2023. Through her leadership, Shaheen secured several key priorities that respond directly to issues in New Hampshire and top national security concerns for the United States.

“The annual defense bill is always an important opportunity to make progress on pressing national security priorities and issues facing Granite State families. This year, I’m proud to have secured provisions that counter fentanyl trafficking, shore up supply chains of essential military equipment and deliver aid to Ukraine. The package also includes important investments in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and our New Hampshire National Guard, as well as support for communities impacted by PFAS contamination. The NDAA highlights the bipartisan resolve in Congress to tackle challenges facing our communities, and I’m proud to have helped shape this legislation to prioritize the issues most concerning to Granite Staters. I look forward to President Biden swiftly signing this important bill into law,” said Shaheen.

KEY SHAHEEN PRIORITIES:

1. Countering the Trafficking of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Controlled Substances through her legislation, the Fighting Emerging Narcotics Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting (FENTANYL) Results Act:

“The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated what was already a crisis in New Hampshire and across America – the substance use epidemic. The circulation of fentanyl has fueled this crisis, which is why I’m leading bipartisan efforts with Senators Portman and Cornyn to clamp down on drug trafficking and prevent drugs from reaching our borders. Inclusion of the FENTANYL Results Act in the annual defense bill makes clear that combating drug trafficking is a top national security priority,” said Shaheen.

1. Ensuring Investment in American Domestic Supply Chains for Critical Homeland Security Equipment through her legislation, the Homeland Procurement Reform (HOPR) Act:

 “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed glaring gaps in our domestic supply chain that left our nation flat-footed during the greatest public health crisis of our lifetime. Our bill will help ensure that does not happen again, and I’m thrilled that it will soon be the law of the land. Steps will be put in motion to bolster our own domestic manufacturing so that we are not reliant on international sources for PPE and other national security items,” said Shaheen.

1. Support for Americans Affected by Domestic Energy Attacks by Securing Provisions that Improve Access to Medical Care, Help Investigate AHIs and Improve Interagency Coordination:

“For years, I’ve worked to secure medical benefits for victims of anomalous health incidents and ensure a whole-of-government response to identify the cause of these attacks. My provisions in the NDAA ensure that victims get the compensation and care that they need and deserve to recover from their injuries. These provisions also improve interagency coordination and tracking of cases to advance our military’s ability to investigate and respond to the threat of AHIs. Americans stationed abroad deserve the peace of mind that they will be cared for if they are injured in the line of duty,” said Shaheen. 

1. Increased Military Assistance for Ukraine Amid Putin’s Unprovoked Invasion by Extending the Ukraine Security Initiative and Authorizing the use of up to $800 Million in Security Assistance:

“As Putin continues his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and works to destabilize our world order, Ukraine needs resources to defend its sovereignty and freedom. There is strong bipartisan determination in Congress to continue supporting Ukraine as it fights for not just its people, but for democracy around the world. This aid to Ukraine sends a clear signal to Russia that the U.S. remains firmly committed to standing by our partners and in fierce opposition to brutality and autocracy,” said Shaheen. 

FULL LIST OF NH AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES SECURED BY SHAHEEN IN FY2023 NDAA 

Military?Readiness Priorities for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard? 

Senator?Shaheen?supported the authorization?of $503 million?to continue the Multi-Mission Dry Dock project at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The Multi-Mission Dry Dock project will construct a?superflood?basin and extend portal crane rails for Dry Dock #1 at the Shipyard. The?superflood?basin,?similar to?a navigational lock, will enable Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class submarines to dock without the use of buoyancy assist tanks. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator?Shaheen?helped secure this funding beginning in the fiscal year 2019 funding legislation.?? 

In this year’s NDAA,?Shaheen?worked to authorize the procurement of two new Virginia-class submarines—which are repaired and maintained at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—as well as the authorization of $2 billion in advance procurement. Senator?Shaheen?has long been a steadfast supporter of the Virginia-class, and a fierce advocate for Shipyard priorities. Senator Shaheen also secured $2.5 million in funding authorization to begin development of the joint New Hampshire National Guard-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard child development center. This follows on her letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in August raising concern with the inadequate childcare resources for civilians and service members working at the Shipyard. Also, due in part to Senator?Shaheen’s?successful opposition,?the defense bill does not include a new round of Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC), which could endanger national security and potentially damage New Hampshire’s economy by threatening jobs at the Portsmouth?Naval Shipyard.? ?? 

Strengthening the Submarine Industrial Base?& Workforce Training? 

Senator Shaheen,?co-chair of the Senate Navy Caucus, worked to include more than $500 million in submarine workforce and supplier development, which will help expand the submarine industrial base in support of the Virginia and Columbia-class programs – the former of which are maintained and repaired at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.?? 

Increasing Investments in U.S. Military Equipment? 

Senator Shaheen successfully included $100 million in funding for the procurement of enhanced night vision devices, which are crucial for U.S. service members on the battlefield. New Hampshire is home to manufacturers of the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular and plays an important role in the industrial base and in support of the United States’ national defense.? 

Investments at Pease Air National Guard Base? 

Senator?Shaheen?fought to procure 15 KC-46?Pegasus refueling tankers. Thanks to strong advocacy by Senator?Shaheen?and the New Hampshire National Guard, Pease?was selected?as the Air Force’s first Air National Guard KC-46?main operating base, an economic benefit to Pease and the surrounding community.?The KC-46?replaces the Air Force’s 1950’s-era aerial refueling fleet of KC-135s and will serve as the backbone of American air operations for decades to come.?Pease received its?full complement?of KC-46?tankers last year.?? 

Continued Investments to Combat and Address PFAS Contamination & Prioritize Safety of Military Personnel’s Occupational Exposure? 

Senator Shaheen has spearheaded efforts in Congress to uncover the potential health effects related to PFAS contamination, respond to the chemical exposure and remediate polluted sites. Senator Shaheen was successful in including PFAS response provisions in this year’s NDAA. She successfully fought for the authorization of an additional $20 million to continue the PFAS health impact study that she created in the 2018 NDAA. This is record-level authorization for the health study that Shaheen has championed.   

In addition, Senator Shaheen added an amendment requesting the Department of Defense to prohibit DOD from purchasing PFAS-laden firefighting turnout gear after October 1, 2026. This follows?Shaheen-led efforts?to expand blood testing and treatment for firefighters exposed to PFAS and a similar amendment she secured to ban the use of PFAS-laden firefighting foam in the?FY 2020 NDAA. Senator Shaheen also included an amendment to clarify in statute that the National Guard can access Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) funds for PFAS cleanup at state-owned Guard facilities, which will save the Guard millions in funds they have previously been forced to divert from training and operations. Finally,?Senator Shaheen successfully led on enhanced transparency by ensuring the Department of the Air Force is sharing?PFAS test results with impacted communities.? 

Countering the Trafficking of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Controlled Substances 

Senator Shaheen successfully included her legislation, the Fighting Emerging Narcotics Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting (FENTANYL) Results Act, which directs the State Department to build the capacity of law enforcement agencies of partner countries to identify, track and detect synthetic controlled substances such as fentanyl, which has fueled America’s addiction crisis and devastated communities across New Hampshire. The legislation also directs the State Department to include an assessment of countries likely involved in the trafficking of drugs in its annual international narcotics control strategy report, along with an outline of policies to respond to this threat. 

Ensuring Support For American Domestic Supply Chains for Critical Homeland Security Equipment 

Senator Shaheen successfully included her Homeland Procurement Reform (HOPR) Act that will ensure that key components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can procure critical uniforms and protective equipment developed and manufactured in the United States to execute their security, enforcement, and investigative missions. The HOPR Act establishes specific criteria that DHS must meet when procuring certain uniforms and equipment, and it will empower federal agency procurement officers to invest in American supply chains and provide high quality, innovative uniforms, footwear, armor and equipage produced in the United States. 

Investing in Essential Water Infrastructure Projects  

Senator Shaheen helped secure inclusion of the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, biennial legislation that authorizes water infrastructure projects across the country. The bill includes a provision requiring the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) to develop criteria for the annual evaluation and ranking of maintenance dredging needs for small, remote and subsistence harbors, like those in New Hampshire. The bill also strengthens the infrastructure workforce by fostering careers in STEM fields, as well as streamlines the implementation of shoreline protection and restoration projects to aid communities most vulnerable to coastal storms. In addition, the legislation de-authorizes the ice dam on the Israel River so the town of Lancaster can proceed with removal. Specific provisions that Shaheen fought for include expediting the maintenance dredging of the Simplex/Tyco shoal in the Piscataqua River and portions of Sagamore Creek that were not previously dredged in 2017. 

?Underscoring Bipartisan Support for NATO?? 

Senator?Shaheen,?co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, secured the inclusion of a Sense of Congress that affirms the chamber’s position in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the alliance’s contribution to international security.?Shaheen?re-established the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group?with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) in 2018 and currently serves as co-chair.?Shaheen and Tillis led a bipartisan delegation visit to the NATO summit in Madrid, in addition to future NATO members Finland and Sweden, at the end of June.? 

Support for Americans Affected by?Directed Energy Attacks?? 

Senator Shaheen built on her progress to ensure that all U.S. personnel and their loved ones suffering from anomalous health incidents (AHIs) – also known as Havana Syndrome or directed-energy attacks – get the medical attention they deserve. Shaheen successfully secured $10 million in funding to support the work of the Anomalous Health Incidents Cross Functional Team, which was established in the FY2022 NDAA, to investigate and mitigate AHIs and to provide care for those impacted. In addition, Shaheen included a $20 million increase to address the threat characterization and treatment of certain uniformed members, federal civilian employees and their family members affected by AHIs, who’ve faced stigmatization and adverse experiences following their ailments. Finally, Senator Shaheen also secured language to ensure that the appropriate agency can designate AHI incidents to improve interagency coordination in addressing these attacks and ensure that victims get compensation for their injuries, which was made possible through her leadership of the HAVANA Act.  

Shaheen’s leadership on this issue follows her successful effort in the FY2022 national defense law, which included a?Shaheen provision based on her standalone legislation?to require the President to designate a senior national security official – now filled by Maher Bitar – to organize a whole-of-government response and direct the heads of relevant agencies to designate senior officials to lead their agency’s response to AHIs.?The FY2022 law also included a measure?Shaheen?supported?to ensure wounded officers and their families have immediate access to specialized facilities at Walter Reed. 

In FY2022 government funding legislation signed into law,?Shaheen added language to allow the Department of Commerce and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to address the medical needs of their employees or dependents who are likely victims of these attacks. Absent this language, neither the Department of Commerce nor the FBI would be permitted to provide funding to assist their employees who are AHI victims. Senator Shaheen has been a leader in supporting American public servants who have incurred brain injuries likely from directed energy attacks. In October 2021, the President?signed legislation Shaheen helped lead, the Helping American Victims Afflicted by Neurological Attacks (HAVANA Act), into law. In the?FY2021 NDAA?that became law,?Shaheen?successfully included language?to expand a provision in law?that she?previously?wrote?to provide long-term, emergency care benefits to all U.S. Government employees and their dependents who were mysteriously injured while working in China and?Cuba.? 

Increased Military Assistance for Ukraine Amid Putin’s Unprovoked Invasion?? 

Shaheen helped secure a provision in the NDAA that extends the Ukraine Security Initiative through December 31, 2024, and authorizes the use of up to $800 million in FY 2023 to provide security assistance to Ukraine — an increase of $500 million above the President’s Budget. The provision also extends the USAI through 2024.  

Senator Shaheen leads action in the U.S. Senate in support of Ukraine in response to Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked aggression, which also threatens the stability and security of Eastern Europe and NATO allies. In October, Shaheen travelled to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, building from her April trip where she?led a bipartisan congressional delegation?with Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to the Balkans to convey continued U.S. support for its allies amid Russian aggression against Ukraine and the implications for European security in the region. In addition,?legislation co-led by Shaheen?to speed up military assistance to Ukraine and Eastern European nations was signed into law earlier this year. In February, Shaheen led a?successful bipartisan effort?with Portman to pass a resolution that conveyed a renewed and overwhelmingly bipartisan message from the U.S. Senate in fierce support of Ukraine. In January,?Shaheen and Portman led?a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine, where they met with President Zelenskyy and members of his administration. ?? 

Improving Air Force Pilot Retention 

Senator Shaheen partnered with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to establish a demonstration program focused on improving Air Force retention of rated officers such as pilots and navigators. This provision addresses the pressing shortfall in rated Air Force officers, which was approximately 1,650 pilots below the Air Force’s desired levels as of this summer. Without urgent intervention, such as the Shaheen-Cotton provision, the Air Force will lack the mid- to senior-level officers required to confront threats to our nation.  

This effort builds on a provision Shaheen and Cotton also worked together to include in the FY2022 NDAA to establish a Joint Aviation Safety Council at the Department of Defense. Based on the recommendations of the National Commission on Military Aviation Safety, which was created by the FY2019 NDAA to address aviation safety concerns, the Council is responsible for issuing, publishing and updating regulations pertaining to aviation safety and collecting mishap data. The Council also establishes aviation safety management systems for the military departments and works to identify risk mitigation efforts to reduce aviation safety hazards. 

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tonight voted to pass the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (NDAA), bipartisan legislation to support our troops and enhance national security. Several provisions Senator Capito supported were included in this legislation that will benefit West Virginia and our servicemen and women.

Senator Capito issued the below statement after the Senate passed the NDAA by a vote of 83-11.

“After too long a delay, I am pleased that Congress has finally passed legislation that demonstrates our continued support of our military, especially during these challenging times. We have to ensure our military is best equipped and prepared to face whatever challenge it may have to face, and that our personnel and equipment are able to meet those pressing needs in defense of our nation and our allies. This legislation accomplishes that goal.

“This bill is also named after a dear friend and colleague, and former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, who is retiring at the end of this Congress. It has been an honor to serve with him and naming this bill after him is a fitting tribute,” Senator Capito said.

THE NDAA INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS SENATOR CAPITO LED OR SUPPORTED: 

• Senator Capito drafted language that promotes the efforts at Green Bank Observatory to develop the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) and a new high-power radar transmitter for the Green Bank Telescope. This language directs the Secretary of Defense to assess the department’s current ground-based radar infrastructure and outline how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) could benefit from utilizing Green Bank.
• For the second year in a row, Senator Capito secured language that recognizes the West Virginia National Guard’s Army Interagency Training and Education Center (AITEC) and encourages DoD to assess the expansion of AITEC’s mission capabilities to include combating cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
• The bill prohibits the Air Force from reducing the number of C-130s assigned to the National Guard. C-130s are important aircraft for the National Guard, but particularly in West Virginia.

ADDITIONAL NDAA HIGHLIGHTS:

• Authorizes $847 billion, reversing proposed cuts by the Biden administration, for national defense programs, military construction projects, and nuclear weapons programs under the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Removes a restrictive mandate for COVID-19 vaccines for troops, which has hindered recruitment and retention.
• Authorizes a 4.6 percent raise for service members, the largest pay raise in 20 years, which could not come at a better time as families are struggling with the rising costs of daily life due to inflation.
• Seeks to help offset the devastating impact of inflation through increased housing allowances, reducing food costs at military commissaries, offsets in procurement of ships, aircraft, and weapons systems, and increases to cover record fuel prices.
• Revives and extends temporary authority for targeted recruitment incentives to help improve military recruitment and retention and directs DoD to analyze its recruitment efforts, obstacles faced by recruiters, and ways to use technology and social media to highlight the opportunities and benefits of military service.
• Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. must continue to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked invasion, and that oversight and transparency for such assistance is essential to ensure effective and sustained support.
• Authorizes the funding necessary to ensure that our nation’s military is well-equipped and prepared to face evolving threats from rogue actors like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
• Prohibits funds from being used to transfer terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay to the United States.
• Authorizes a $20 million increase in Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) funding. DEPSCoR has been a valuable program that has allowed universities like West Virginia University (WVU) to conduct research that is beneficial for DoD.
• Requires the U.S. military to implement plans to eliminate the use of Russian energy at U.S. bases in Europe.
• Requires a review on military suicides—the second-leading cause of death among military personnel—to help prevent future service member suicides.
• Includes provisions to enhance Taiwan’s ability to defend itself from Chinese aggression, including the establishment, for the first time, of a specific defense modernization program for Taiwan. It also authorizes Presidential Drawdown Authority for Taiwan, making Taiwan eligible to receive speedy deliveries of military equipment from U.S. stocks in the event of a contingency.
• Requires contractors who sell equipment containing rare earth elements and critical minerals to the Pentagon provide data on the sources of the rare earth elements.

The NDAA also included the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA), legislation Senator Capito, in her role as ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, co-authored that authorizes key projects and studies to tackle water resources challenges across the country. Click here for more details on how this legislation will benefit West Virginia.

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