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Fischer Statement on Final Passage of the FY 23 NDAA

Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, today voted in favor of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, which passed the Senate by a vote of 83-11.

This annual legislation authorizes defense spending and sets the policies and priorities for our military. The bill contains many provisions Sen. Fischer successfully fought to include. In total, the bill supports $857.9 billion in FY 23 funding for national security.

“The U.S. needs to be prepared to respond to the changing threat environment of the 21st century. I was proud to help spearhead this year’s NDAA, which supportskey military equities in Nebraska, secures a pay raise for our troops, modernizes our aging nuclear deterrent, and bolsters our national security. This bill demonstrates there is still bipartisan support for providing our military with the resources they need to keep the American people safe,” said Senator Fischer.

Below is a comprehensive list of highlights from the FY 23 NDAA:

Topline:

  • Supports a 4.6% increase in pay levels for service members.
  • Authorizes defense spending $45 billion above President Biden’s request to ensure our service members have the resources they need in a time of growing threats and historic inflation.
  • Requires the Dept. of Defense to fully rescind the COVID vaccine mandate 30 days after enactment.

Support for Nebraska Equities:

Senator Fischer wrote and secured many provisions in the FY 23 NDAA to support Nebraska military equities, including facilities, missions, and platforms. She also fought to enhance defense-related partnerships and programs that are important to the state.

  • Ensures the completion of disaster recovery efforts at Offutt Air Force Base following the 2019 floods. Fully funds the U.S. Air Force’s request for $235 million in military construction funding, which is needed to continue rebuilding all the destroyed Offutt facilities.
  • Authorizes an additional $39.4 million for upgrades to the 55th Wing’s RC-135 fleet’s navigation systems.
  • Authorizes $20 million for the Rapid Emerging Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) public-private partnership to accelerate the design of the next generation of nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) architecture.  
  • Supports the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 170th Group in their vital partnership with the 55th Wing.

Strategic Forces Provisions

As the top Republican on the Strategic Forces subcommittee, Senator Fischer successfully secured wins in this legislation that strengthen America’s nuclear deterrent. This includes provisions to overturn decisions by the Biden administration that would have weakened our nuclear deterrence at a time of increasing global instability.

  • Continues funding for the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SCLM) program.
    • The Biden administration’s misguided budget proposal attempted to cancel the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) program, a key enhancement to America’s nuclear triad.
    • Senator Fischer championed language that authorizes $25 million for the Dept. of Defense and $20 million for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to continue research and development of a nuclear-capable sea-launched cruise missile system.
  • Prevents the retirement of the B83 nuclear bomb, pending a study by the Dept. of Defense on the development of a replacement capability.
    • The Biden administration’s budget proposal attempted to retire the B83 – a thermonuclear gravity bomb designed to defeat hard and deeply buried targets.
  • Authorizes full funding for the continued modernization of our nuclear triad and supports Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) architecture.
  • Increases funding authorized for the laboratory and production infrastructure of theNNSA, which maintains the nation’s nuclear weapons.
  • Retains STRATCOM’s role in electromagnetic spectrum operations.
  • Authorizes provisions to streamline bureaucracy and strengthen oversight of the deployment of missile defense systems to Guam and the next generation intercontinental ballistic missile known as Sentinel.
  • Makes significant, additional investments related to the Strategic Forces Subcommittee’s jurisdiction including:
    • $500 million for the NNSA’s effort to re-establish the ability to produce plutonium pits, a critical capability for the nation’s continued ability to field a nuclear deterrent.
    • $293 million to accelerate the Missile Defense Agency’s development of the Glide-Phase Interceptor to defend against growing hypersonic threats.
    • $252 million for increased Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) interceptor production.

Additional National Security Provisions

Senator Fischer successfully included several other provisions related to her national security priorities in the FY 23 NDAA.

  • Provides multi-year procurement authority for certain munitions and authorizes $2.7 billion for additional munitions production and capacity expansion.
    • For months, Senator Fischer has highlighted how underinvestment in munitions production capacity impacts America’s ability to meet the threats of the 21st century.
  • Prohibits U.S. cooperation with the Russian military for the next five years and the sharing of missile defense information with Russia indefinitely.
    • As Russia continues to wage a war of aggression against Ukraine, Senator Fischer has called for increased measures to isolate Russia and hold Putin accountable.
  • Prohibits the Dept. of Defense from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the Chinese government.
    • The Chinese Communist Party often looks to leverage its economic ties to Hollywood to pre-emptively censor “threatening” content and promote pro-China propaganda.
  • Requires the Dept. of Defense to produce a classified version and an unclassified version of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) in response to the Biden administration’s decision to not publicly release this document. 
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Murphy Reintroduces Legislation To Help Startups And Small Businesses Attract Capital

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

December 15, 2022

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday reintroduced the Angel Tax Credit Act, legislation to incentivize investment in startups and small businesses that will create good-paying jobs in high growth sectors, including science, technology, and engineering.

The Angel Tax Credit Act, which is modeled after Connecticut’s own angel state tax credit established in 2010, would encourage investors in startup companies, commonly referred to as “angel investors,” to support startups by allowing them to claim a tax credit equal to 25 percent of their aggregate qualifying equity investments of $25,000 or more to U.S.-based high-tech startups.

“Across Connecticut, startups are driving forces for job creation. But they need access to capital in order to get off the ground and keep up with growth. This legislation would help entrepreneurs secure the investments necessary to grow their businesses and help strengthen our economy,” said Murphy.

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“Essential to Ensure America Does Not Fall Behind,” King Lauds Bipartisan Passage of NDAA With Key Nuclear and Cyber Provisions

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, today praised the Senate’s 83-11 passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. With rising threats from Russia, China, and other adversaries, the annual bipartisan defense bill contains King-led provisions to modernize America’s nuclear defenses, better assess the “will to fight” of allies and enemies, and improve international cyberdefenses. The bill also includes increased support for Ukraine as it fights Russia’s illegal, unprovoked invasion along with improvements to ensure the aid receives proper oversight and does not dangerously deplete America’s own stockpiles.

King also worked to secure provisions to better support the wellbeing of America’s servicemembers. With military suicide rates at an all-time high, the bill requires the Department of Defense to study and release data on suicides by military occupation, and the Government Accountability Office to study how to improve the transition from military to civilian life.

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act – named after my friend and colleague Senator Jim Inhofe – is a bipartisan bill that will meet the pressing 21st century national security challenges facing our country,” said Senator King. “As threats from adversaries like Russia and China grow, the legislation is absolutely essential to ensure America does not fall behind. Along with new authorizations to address Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, this bill improves our defensive and offensive hypersonic capabilities, bolsters key cyberdefenses, and will help modernize how we assess the capabilities of our enemies and allies alike. Without these provisions, the credibility of America’s bedrock principle of peace through deterrence would have been put at risk.

“All told, Congress and the Armed Services Committees have once again produced an important, strong, and bipartisan bill,” continued Senator King. “Most importantly, the legislation makes significant investments in the essential core of our Armed Forces – our brave men and women in uniform. Along with a 4.6% pay raise to help servicemembers keep up with rising costs of living, the NDAA will study the suicide epidemic in our military so the Department is better equipped to address this urgent crisis. Today’s overwhelming 83-11 passage of the bill is a testament to the importance of this effort, the selfless service of our Armed Forces, and the dedication of all the Americans who are working to protect our nation.”

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 includes King-backed provisions to:

  • COUNTER RUSSIAN AGGRESSION AND SUPPORT UKRAINE. With Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine in its tenth month, the legislation extends and modifies the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and authorizes $800 million in fiscal year 2023 to provide security assistance to Ukraine via this authority. The bill included King-backed directive for a Government Accountability Office audit the allocation and use of security assistance to Ukraine.
  • BOLSTER AMERICAN ALLIANCES AND STRENGTHEN DIPLOMACY. On the heels of Russia’s aggression and a strong unified response from NATO partners, the legislation includes steps to strengthen existing U.S. alliances and partnerships, build mutually beneficial new partnerships, and leverage opportunities in international cooperation to ensure U.S. success in competition against other great powers. The bill requires an assessment of the required force posture, engagements, and resourcing needed to implement the National Defense Strategy in Europe and uphold U.S. commitments to NATO. It also authorizes the full fiscal year 2023 budget request for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI).
  • MODERNIZE CRITICAL NUCLEAR DETERRENTS. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator King is a Congressional leader in working to modernize the nation’s nuclear triad and address the threats posed by new hypersonic weapons.
  • STRENGTHEN HYPERSONIC PROGRAMS. The FY23 NDAA includes recommended approaches the Defense Department should take towards improving offensive and defensive hypersonic capabilities, along with more than $200M to counter these threats.
  • ASSESS THE “WILL TO FIGHT.” After intelligence assessments miscalculated the ability and commitment of forces on the ground in Afghanistan and Ukraine, Senator King has urged the national security community to improve how they assess “will to fight” – one of the most important pieces of information about the strength of our allies and adversaries. The FY23 NDAA directs the DOD to report on its capacity to actively assess adversaries’ capacity to conduct military and logistics operations.
  • STREGTHEN CYBERSECURITY PROTECTIONS. The bill strengthens and supports the DOD’s cybersecurity programs, the defense industrial base, and America’s critical infrastructure. Among the cyber policies passed by this legislation are King-backed provisions to establish a Bureau of International Cyberspace Policy, increase support for U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), and for CYBERCOM to release biennial, unclassified reports through the 2032 election cycle on their efforts to ensure election security and counter election threats. As Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Senator King has navigated Congressional efforts to unify and strengthen America’s cyberdefenses against 21st century threats.
  • WEAKEN VLADIMIR PUTIN’S POSITION. As sanctions continue to put pressure on Vladimir Putin, the bill includes King-led legislation to crack down on Russia’s massive gold supplies. Sanctioning these reserves will further isolate the country and eliminate one of the few remaining asserts the dictator has to bankroll his bloody invasion.
  • CONFRONT SERVICEMEMBER SUICIDE. As the epidemic of servicemember and veteran suicide continues, the bill requires a review and report on the rates of suicides in the Armed Forces by military occupational specialty during the time period beginning after September 11, 2001, and continuing to the present day, broken down by military occupational specialty, service, and grade. This legislative provision is based on input from a Maine Constituent.
  • IMPROVE THE TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE. Senator King has repeatedly called on the Department of Defense to do a better job helping servicemembers transition to civilian life. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to study how the Pentagon can improve the transition and prevent tragedies like suicides shortly after separation.
  • ADDRESS THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC BY FIGHTING DRUG TRAFFICKERS. Senator King has consistently urged the Pentagon to step up in the war on drugs, by taking a more active role in stopping drugs from entering the country. The bill increases funding for the military’s counter narcotics missions. The bill also includes a GAO audit of the Department of Defense’s Counterdrug efforts that includes the organization, cross-agency efficiencies, and audit of the use of funds to improve the Department’s ability to stop drug shipments before they reach America’s shores.  The bill provides important oversight on U.S. NORTHERN Command, requiring a report on their efforts to support this important mission.
  • PROMOTE SMALL BUSINESS INTEGRATION. Across the country, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) help small business get and navigate Department of Defense contracts. In addition to securing additional funds, the bill included legislation based on valuable input from Mr. Ken Bloch of Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) and the Director of Maine PTAC. This resulted in legislative changes that would enable these centers to better serve small businesses by increasing the state funding cap and align the program under the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
  • IMPROVE AMERICA’S PRESENCE IN THE ARCTIC. With climate change opening the waters of the Arctic, the bill authorizes $167.2 million to continue acquisition of a third Polar Security Cutter Ice Breaker, along with $1 million to establish the Arctic Security Cutter program office to support the future of maritime commerce, climate research and environmental protection in the High North. The bill includes King-backed provision requiring the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a crosscut report on Arctic research programs. Additional Arctic reporting includes assessing the ability and timeline to conduct transit in the Northern Sea Route and periodic transits of the Northwest Passage; also, the GAO is directed to conduct an audit of the U.S. Coast Guard arctic operations and infrastructure.
  • TACKLE GLOBAL FOOD INSECURITY. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine destabilizes global food supplies, the legislation reauthorizes the nation’s Feed the Future hunger and agriculture initiative through 2028, improves food aid oversight, and requires the Biden administration to develop a whole-of-government strategy to address global food challenges.
  • INCREASE DOD TOPLINE TO MEET THE MOST PRESSING NEEDS. In response to the Department of Defense’s rising needs and heightened global security threats, Senator King supported a $45 billion increase to its budget, with half of the funds addressing inflation, and the reminder allocated to the acceleration of implementing the National Defense Strategy. Additional funds were also provided to meet top unfunded requests from military commanders and service chiefs. 
  • ENSURE AMERICA HAS SUFFICENT RESOURCES FOR DEFENSE AND DETERRENCE. With the United States providing historic levels of lethal aid to Ukraine, the bill includes King-backed provisions to expand the Pentagon’s procurement authorities and require the National Defense Stockpile Manager to submit a briefing to congress on strategic shortfalls.
  • PROVIDE THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO OUR INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES.  The NDAA includes the Intelligence Authorization Act, which authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community.  These important provisions include an assessment on sanctions imposed on Russia, international cyberspace and digital policy, precursor chemicals used in the production of synthetic opioids.
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King Statement on Failed Permitting Reform Vote

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee – and an advocate for pragmatic, realistic, and rapid permitting reform to reach America’s clean energy goals – released the following statement after he supported permitting reform as an amendment to the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act:

“The world is literally in a race with climate change. We cannot afford to waste valuable time — time which we really don’t have — to implement viable, efficient solutions in our transition to renewable energy,” said Senator King. “For example, it takes fifteen years just to permit a mine producing the minerals needed for batteries of electric vehicles given all the red tape and bureaucracy – and that’s just one project of hundreds that are needed. By failing to pass commonsense permitting reform, the Senate has sent the country’s clean energy future back to the drawing board and potentially put us years behind where we should be. I have always advocated for strict environmental standards, but also for a timely and predicable environmental process – that is exactly what this bill was all about.

“I think that we’ve reached a point where most Americans realize that climate change is real. The fishermen, farmers, and loggers in Maine know the urgency of this threat, and it’s deeply disappointing that some of my Senate colleagues do not share this understanding,” continued Senator King. “This bill should not be controversial. It would have made simple changes that both sides of the aisle have long called for to expedite energy projects without diluting environmental standards in the slightest. Despite the frustrating partisan games today, I will keep working on a bipartisan basis with my colleagues to find a path forward so that we can make our clean energy future a reality.”

Senator King recently spoke from the Senate floor on the need for permitting reform, and the tradeoffs that will be required in the transition to renewable energy, which can be watched HERE.

As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that support Maine communities and has been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy technologies and development as a way to unlock America’s clean energy future. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is also among the Senate’s loudest voices advocating for conserving public lands and encouraging outdoor recreation. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act – a bill led by Senator King – and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined.

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Manchin Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

December 15, 2022

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, applauded the Senate passage of his bipartisan resolution to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter. Carter, who passed away in October, served his country for decades as a national security expert, professor and author, and the resolution recognizes his critical contributions to modernizing the Department of Defense (DOD). Carter championed efforts to integrate new defense technologies, promote gender equity throughout the military and guide U.S. policy on denuclearization, terrorist threats and strategic competition abroad.

“I’m pleased the Senate has passed our bipartisan resolution to honor the incredible life and legacy of Secretary Ash Carter,” said Senator Manchin. “Secretary Carter was a true American, and we are all grateful for his vital contributions to our armed forces and entire nation. His extraordinary service and dedication to the American people will leave a powerful and lasting imprint on our country for generations to come, and I am proud to support this resolution in his honor.”

Secretary Carter began his career in public service in 1981 in the DOD’s Program Analysis and Evaluation Office and went on to serve in the Clinton Administration as Assistant Secretary of Defense for both Nuclear Security and Counterproliferation and International Security Policy. Secretary Carter then served in the Obama Administration as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Deputy Secretary of Defense and later Secretary of Defense. Under Secretary Carter’s leadership, the DOD navigated challenges from China, increased its focus on security in the Asia-Pacific region and responded to threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Pentagon also took steps to open all military roles to women. Secretary Carter coauthored 11 books and more than 100 articles and served as Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Senator Manchin was joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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Menendez Calls on CFPB to Investigate PSLF Customer Service Issues; Issue Guidance to Protect Consumers from Zelle-related Fraud

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, in today’s hearing urged Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra to investigate customer service issues with MOHELA, the sole servicer for student loan borrowers pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). The Senator also pressed Director Chopra on the agency’s progress towards issuing agency guidance to ensure consumers are protected from Zelle-related fraud.

“I continue to hear from my constituents about customer service issues with MOHELA … Complaints range from telephone wait times of up to four hours, six month or longer processing delays for PSLF applications and Employee Certification Forms, and the issuing of conflicting, misleading, and inaccurate information about the right to receive refunds for payments made during the COVID-19 payment pause,” said Sen. Menendez. “I cannot overstate the negative economic impacts caused by MOHELA’s abysmal servicing for public service employees.”

As of July 1st, MOHELA is the only servicer for borrowers pursuing PSLF that manages loans for at least 9 million borrowers nationwide, including an estimated 272,000 in New Jersey.  

[CLICK TO WATCH THE SENATOR’S FULL LINE OF QUESTIONING]

Sen. Menendez pressed Director Chopra for an update on CFPB’s progress towards issuing agency guidance to ensure consumers are protected from Zelle-related fraud and require the banks to provide relief to those affected by these fraudulent schemes as he continues to hear from constituents who have fallen victim to fraud and scams on the instant payment application.

Sen. Menendez also asked Director Chopra about banks’ use of overdraft fees, which disproportionately affect low-and moderate-income households.

“A 2021 report by the Financial Health Network found that nearly 60 percent of all overdraft fees in 2020 were paid by low- and moderate-income households and about 25 percent were paid by Latino households specifically,” said Sen. Menendez. “According to the CFPB, the banks make $15 billion a year in overdraft and nonsufficient funds. To put that into context, the banks all together made $71.7 billion in the third quarter of 2022 … It seems to me that these institutions would be successful in terms of their financial wherewithal without these fees, and they particularly affect the most significant in our society who are already at a disadvantage.”

Sen. Menendez is the author of the Second Chance At Public Service Loan Forgiveness Act, bicameral legislation that would fix long-standing problems with the PSLF program and enable millions of previously ineligible public servants, such as teachers, firefighters, nurses, and social workers to have their student loans forgiven.

Sen. Menendez has been a champion leader in the fight to hold the financial industry accountable and protect consumers. This past September, during a Senate Banking hearing with CEOs of some of the largest banks in the country, he called for these financial institutions to eliminate overdraft fees that disadvantage working families. This year, he has led several efforts to protect consumers from Zelle-related fraud and scams, and throughout the years has also led the charge in the Senate for consumer protections – including from banks, data breach protections for consumers, cyber security, and more.

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Hoeven: Senate Approves National Defense Authorization Act with Hoeven Priorities

Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

12.15.22

Senator Worked to Support ND Defense Priorities, Including Satellite Missions for GFAFB, Nuclear Modernizations for MAFB, Guard Education Benefits

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined provisions he was able to secure in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was approved by the Senate today.

“We need to support the men and women who defend our nation, and that’s exactly what this NDAA does,” said Hoeven. “We worked to end the Defense Department’s COVID vaccine mandate as part of this legislation and to provide our troops with a pay raise. At the same time it authorizes modernization of our nuclear systems for Minot Air Force Base, the Global Hawk and satellite missions at Grand Forks, and our Guard’s Reaper mission. Now, as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, we’ll work to fund these vital programs.”

Hoeven worked to include priorities to:

  • Authorize a 4.6% percent pay raise for all servicemembers.
  • End the Defense Department’s COVID vaccine mandate.
  • Authorize $350 million for the procurement of 12 MQ-1C Gray Eagles to be fielded in the Army National Guard.

The NDAA includes Hoeven authored amendments, including: 

  • Air Force Weapons Generation Facilities:  A provision directing the Air Force to provide Congress with a detailed schedule for the construction of Weapons Generation Facilities across its nuclear installations and instructing the Air Force to submit a plan to modify existing Weapons Storage Areas to handle modernized nuclear weapons systems.
    • This helps ensure Minot Air Force Base has the facilities necessary to maintain and store future nuclear weapon systems, including the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and the new nuclear cruise missile in coming years.
  • Task Force True North:  Language to strengthen the Air Force’s Task Force True North program and increase servicemembers’ access to mental health care services.
  • Air National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance: Requiring a briefing on the Air National Guard’s Federal Tuition Assistance pilot program and the Department’s future plans to provide tuition assistance to Air National Guardsmen. This follows Hoeven’s successful efforts in last year’s NDAA to codify the ability of National Guardsmen and Reservists to concurrently use federal tuition assistance and Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve education benefits, similar to active duty servicemembers. 

Hoeven Secured North Dakota Priorities in the FY 2023 NDAA 

Grand Forks Air Force Base

The NDAA supports missions at Grand Forks by authorizing:

  • The Space Development Agency’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite program, which will operate from Grand Forks.
  • Operation of the Block 40 Global Hawks based at GFAFB.

Minot Air Force Base

The NDAA fully authorizes critical nuclear modernization programs, including:

  • A new ICBM known as Sentinel
  • A new Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile.
  • B-52 upgrades, including new engines.

North Dakota National Guard  

The NDAA includes provisions important to the missions of the North Dakota National Guard, including:

  • Support for MQ-9 Reaper operations, including the operations of the Air National Guard’s 119th Wing in Fargo.
  • Requiring Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify the number of behavioral health providers participating in the TRICARE network.

Cavalier Space Force Station

The NDAA authorizes funding to begin modernization of Cavalier’s radar system.

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Whitehouse Provisions to Protect Ocean Health, Strengthen Coastal Resiliency Head to the President’s Desk

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Sheldon Whitehouse

12.15.22

Whitehouse secures major oceans package and bipartisan water resources measure in year-end defense bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) tonight voted to pass the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has now cleared Congress and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden.  The must-pass defense bill incorporates Whitehouse’s sweeping oceans package and the bipartisan water resources legislation that Whitehouse helped shepherd through the Senate in July.

“Today’s a great day for our oceans.  The package we included in the NDAA is the most comprehensive oceans legislation set to become law in decades, and it’s the result of tireless advocacy from oceans champions and resolve from leaders in Congress,” said Senator Whitehouse, a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus.  “Combined with a strong annual water resources bill that will improve coastal resiliency, this year’s NDAA makes smart investments in the future of the Ocean State.”

The FY2023 NDAA passed the Senate today on an 83-11 vote.  The NDAA was cleared by the House on December 8. 

The BLUE GLOBE Act, a bill sponsored by Whitehouse and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), was incorporated into the NDAA.  The BLUE GLOBE Act will accelerate marine technology innovation, promote a stronger maritime workforce, and bolster the blue economy.  Also included in the NDAA is the National Ocean Exploration Act, which Whitehouse co-sponsored, to update national priorities for ocean mapping and exploration.  Several other key oceans measures made it into the legislation, including efforts to protect marine mammals and harden defenses against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) also passed alongside the NDAA.  Whitehouse helped draft the package as a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the measure.  Whitehouse and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) secured several key provisions benefitting Rhode Island in the legislation.  ,

The Senators included a provision mandating a report from the Government Accountability Office on the disparity between coastal and inland U.S. Army Corps projects.  Whitehouse and Reed secured inclusion of provisions that would improve fish passage and habitat restoration on the Lower Blackstone River.  The Senators also supported a provision that would amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to create a nationwide inventory of low-head dams, which can be a safety hazard for kayakers and swimmers.

In addition, Whitehouse successfully requested $53.9 million in additional support for the Navy’s Columbia-class nuclear submarine program, a program which Senator Reed has provided essential support for over many years and which supports thousands of jobs at Electric Boat’s Quonset facility.  

Whitehouse has a record of success in securing bipartisan oceans wins in the NDAA.  In last year’s defense bill, Whitehouse partnered with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to strengthen maritime security provisions related to IUU fishing.  Whitehouse’s provision ensured the Department of Defense and Coast Guard have the legal authorities needed to conduct joint maritime law enforcement operations to combat IUU fishing. 

In the FY2021 NDAA, Whitehouse championed measures that required the Department of Defense to update Congress on efforts to tackle IUU fishing, directed the Navy to work with the Coast Guard to assess solutions for tracking vessels engaged in unlawful activity at sea, and requested that the Office of Naval Intelligence provide an update on foreign governments using distant-water fishing fleets to undermine American interests.

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Portman, Whitehouse Lauds Proposed Rule to Continue Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman

December 15, 2022 | Press Releases

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) issued the following statements today in response to the announcement by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that it released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to continue Public Health Emergency related telehealth provisions, update opioid treatment program guidelines, and reduce barriers for providers and patients, which is consistent with the bipartisan TREATS Act that Portman has introduced with Senator Whitehouse:

“I am pleased to see that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released their proposed rule which would continue to allow treatment for opioid use disorder via telehealth. This continuation is nearly identical to our bipartisan TREATS Act. I look forward to seeing The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) action to ensure that controlled substances like buprenorphine can continue to be prescribed via telehealth,” said Portman. “Throughout the pandemic, this telehealth flexibility has saved lives. I continue to urge Congress to pass the TREATS Act to ensure that this is not just a federal rule that can be rescinded but permanent federal law and thank Senator Sheldon Whitehouse who has been an outspoken advocate with me on this issue for many years.

“I am also pleased to see that this proposed rule seeks to increase access by reducing barriers for both treatment providers and patients needing treatment for opioid addiction.”

 “The opioid epidemic has taken a heartbreaking toll on Rhode Island families from every walk of life. While pandemic isolation brought new challenges for people on the noble path of recovery, the expansion of telehealth treatment for substance use disorder was one bright spot.  This proposed rule would allow that flexibility to continue in line with our bipartisan TREATS Act. We still need the DEA to act to ensure medication-assisted treatment continues to be available via telehealth,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “Senator Portman has been my trusted partner across the aisle on this issue for many years, and I will work to carry on his legacy in the new Congress.”

The rule can be read here.

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Murkowski Helps Send NDAA Bill to President’s Desk

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

12.15.22

Supports Military Readiness, Servicemember Well-Being, and Alaska’s Unique Strategic Role in National Security

Click here to watch Senator Murkowski’s statement.

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted in favor of H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, which authorizes $857 billion for national defense priorities. The bill strengthens America’s national security, supports military members and their families through provisions to improve quality of life, ensures those who serve have needed equipment and resources, and invests in everything from aircraft and ships to ports and harbors.

H.R. 7776 contains a suite of provisions inserted by the Alaska delegation that highlight the state’s strategic importance. The bill provides additional support for the Coast Guard’s presence in Alaska waters, infrastructure on Alaska military installations, and military equipment for operating in cold weather climates. The majority of the Don Young Arctic Warrior Act – legislation championed by Senator Murkowski – is included in the bill to address hardships military members face while stationed in Alaska.

The Don Young Coast Guard Reauthorization Act and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) are also part of this year’s NDAA. The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 83-11 and now heads to the President to be signed into law, as Murkowski concurrently pushes for the NDAA’s funding levels to be reflected in a year-end omnibus appropriations package. 

“I’m proud to support America’s brave men and women in uniform and believe this year’s NDAA will help ensure all of them, especially those based in Alaska, have the training, equipment, and resources needed to complete their mission. We make significant investments in hard infrastructure, and we take real steps to improve the livelihoods of those who serve and their families, including through pay raises and funding to address the effects of inflation,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m very proud that we were able to add many provisions of our Arctic Warrior Act, which aims to improve quality of life and expand mental health resources for military personnel. We designed these provisions as a direct response to the hardships of moving to and living in Alaska that service members and their families articulated to us. This bill will help address identified needs in Alaska and further strengthen our national security.”

BILL HIGHLIGHTS

Improving Quality of Life

  • Don Young Arctic Warrior Act: Includes legislation introduced by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan to alleviate some of the hardships faced by servicemembers in Alaska through provisions that:
    • Authorize a new special duty pay for service members who perform cold weather operations.
    • Create a pilot program to reimburse Alaska-based servicemembers for cost of airfare to their home of record.
    • Establish a pilot program for car sharing on remote or isolated military installations.
    • Establish a voluntary pilot program for safe storage of firearms.
    • Seek to train and retain more behavioral health providers to work with the military by authorizing annual bonuses up to $50,000 and developing a graduate program in counseling and social work at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
    • Behavioral and Mental Health: Based on Senator Murkowski’s Guarding Mental Health Act, requires the Coast Guard (USCG) to achieve parity with the policies of the Department of Defense (DoD), allowing members to seek treatment for mental and behavioral health challenges without automatically being processed for discharge.
    • Health Care Benefits for National Guard: Authorizes transitional health care benefits for members of the National Guard who are separated from full-time duty, called or ordered by the President or Defense Secretary for a period of active service greater than 30 days in response to a national emergency declaration.
    • Pay Raise: Supports a 4.6 percent pay raise for military servicemembers.
    • Basic Needs Allowance: Increases the eligibility threshold from 130 percent of the federal poverty line to 150 percent and authorizes the Secretary of Defense to approve eligibility up to 200 percent of the poverty line when appropriate.
    • Military Children: Requires a pilot program to hire special educator inclusion coordinators at Child Development Centers with high populations of military children enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member program.
    • Coast Guard Recruitment and Retention: Makes improvements for pregnant cadets to have more options and authorizes the USCG to enter into partnerships for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps for underrepresented minorities or rural areas, to include Tribal Colleges and Alaskan Native-serving institutions.
    • Military Travel: Authorizes Military Space-A travel for eligible USCG members, including retirees and dependents.
    • Coast Guard Mental Health: Expands USCG service members’ access to counseling.

Infrastructure and Equipment

  • Military Construction:
    • $99 million for military construction at Fort Wainwright
    • $72 million for military construction at Clear Space Force Station
    • $68 million for Air Force military construction at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
    • Aircraft: Authorizes funding for ten times more HH-60s, which are used by the Alaska National Guard. Accelerates production of E-7s, to upgrade early warning capabilities in Alaska and elsewhere.
    • Cold Weather Gear: Supports our military serving in the High North through $32 million for Arctic clothing and individual equipment and $9 million for Cold Weather Clothing Systems.
    • Emergency Equipment: Requires the USCG to develop an operations and maintenance plan for Rescue 21 (Channel 16 emergency communications) upgrades in Alaska to achieve 98 percent operational availability for remote fixed facility sites.
    • Supply Chain: Authorizes over $2.7 billion for munitions production and capacity expansion for increased production, following our nation’s munitions count depletion in providing support to Ukraine. Authorizes $1 billion for the National Defense Stockpile to acquire strategic and critical materials required to meet the nation’s defense, industrial, and civilian needs.
    • Ports and Harbors Projects (included within WRDA):
      • Authorizes the navigation project for the Elim Subsistence Harbor.
      • In recognition of its strategic importance to the nation, modifies the cost share for Nome Arctic Deep Draft Port to provide the community with significant savings.
      • Creates a program for projects to address storm damage prevention and reduction, coastal erosion, and ice and glacial damage in Alaska with a minimal 10 percent cost share for economically disadvantaged communities.
      • Provides relief to the City of St. George from retroactive cost increases associated with the previously completed harbor project.
      • Directs the Army Corps to expedite the Juneau Auke Bay wave attenuator study.
      • Authorizes and improves the Tribal Partnership Program, revising the cost share requirements for projects and studies carried out in partnership with Indian tribes.
      • Improves the technical assistance authorities of the Army Corps.
      • Includes a technical fix to ensure the Unalaska Dutch Harbor project may be dredged to the appropriate depth at the existing cost share basis.
      • Maritime Administration:
        • Extends for one year the ability of the MARAD Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP, a grant program) to pay for shore side dock electrification projects that serve passenger vessels and cargo vessels, which could benefit Southeast Alaska communities interested in dock upgrades to support cruise ships.
        • The Transportation Secretary is allowed to consider a port’s location in a noncontiguous state or territory, the geographic isolation of the state or territory and the economic dependence of the state or territory on the port in a proposed project for PIDP, benefitting the Port of Alaska Modernization Program. 
        • For PIDP grants, the Transportation Secretary may factor infrastructure improvements identified by DoD for strategic seaports for projects that would improve the commercial operations of the Port of Alaska.

Arctic Presence and Domain Awareness

  • Commercially Available Icebreaker: Authorizes the acquisition of a commercially available icebreaker and includes Senator Murkowski’s language ensuring that the procured vessel will have the capability to operate consistently in the Arctic.
  • Coast Guard Presence in St. Paul Island: Enables the USCG to lease the hangar on St. Paul to house deployed helicopters and personnel, which will be essential for search and rescue operation in the Bering Sea as the fishing fleet moves further north in search of their catch.
  • Arctic Operations: Requires the Government Accountability Office to produce a study on the Arctic operations and infrastructure of the USCG to include how the DoD and USCG are collaborating in the Arctic domain.
  • Northern Sea Route: Requires the USCG to report to Congress on their ability and timeline to conduct a transit of the Northern Sea Route and periodic transits of the Northwest Passage.
  • Western Alaska Oil Pollution Standards: Directs the USCG to promulgate a new higher and robust standard for oil spill response organizations and regulated tank vessels to comply with in Western Alaska. The new standards will improve response time, response capacity, and resource deployment at a time of increasing vessel traffic.
  • Point Spencer: Amends the membership of the Point Spencer Coordination Council to make Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) the Council chair, while also adding the Denali Commission, an Oil Spill Removal organization, and a salvage and marine firefighting organization to the Council.
  • Arctic Research: Includes a provision sponsored by Senator Murkowski that requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy put together a crosscut report on Arctic research programs.

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