From the Office of Rep. Val Demings and Staff Reports
On Thursday, Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2023. The NDAA is the legislative foundation for U.S. national security priorities and policy reforms that benefit service members, their families, and communities across the United States.
The package includes four bills led by Rep. Demings (see links for full background and quotes):
- H.R.8075 to fund internet freedom technology for people in Cuba, Venezuela, and other countries with authoritarian regimes
- H.R.4789 to support gun safety programs and federal law enforcement officers
- H.R.5615 to strengthen the Urban Area Security Initiative, an anti-terror program championed by Rep. Demings that supports Florida first responders
- H.R.5616 to improve officer training programs at the Department of Homeland Security
“Today I proudly voted yes to support our military, including a pay raise for our troops, new bonuses to counteract inflation, and a required minimum wage for workers on federal contracts," Demings said. "Today’s bill will protect our national security and keep us safe, ensure that our warfighters have what they need, counter Russia and China, combat human rights abuses, and protect us from terrorism and cyberattacks. I’m proud that today’s legislation included four bills that I introduced to support global freedom, anti-terror programs, and law enforcement. I voted yes because not only is our safety my #1 priority, but this bill also includes new protections to make sure that our troops get the pay they deserve, and that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and transparently.”
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The FY2023 NDAA includes a 4.6% pay raise for service members and civilians, inflation bonuses for service members and civilians earning less than $45,000/year, and a $15 minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts.
The bill fully funds U.S. national security priorities, including:
- Funding the U.S. armed forces, including next-generation procurement
- Protecting the health and safety of U.S. personnel
- Protecting our cybersecurity
- Increased oversight, including protecting taxpayer dollars
- Countering Russia, including tracking human rights abuses
- Countering China, including tracking human rights abuses
- Supporting our allies, including Ukraine and Taiwan, and strengthening NATO
- Keeping our promises in Afghanistan by extending Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
- Fighting terror, especially ISIS
For the full summary, go here.
