WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued this statement following passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed the Senate on an 89-8 vote.
“The threats facing the homeland are real and constantly evolving. It is Congress’ responsibility to ensure that our military is equipped to combat those changing threats, and I was proud to support this important legislation that funds our military and key national security priorities, gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise, and supports service families,” said Senator Capito.
The bill that passed the Senate included Senator Capito’s amendment which provides health benefits that have been unfairly denied to mobilizing reservists.
NDAA Highlights:
- $692 billion defense budget funds equipment and personnel to fight terrorism and other evolving threats.
- Authorizes a 2.1 percent across-the-board pay raise for uniformed service members.
- Addresses the readiness shortfall, crisis in modernization and eroding military advantage by recapitalizing our forces and reinvesting in our capabilities.
- Authorizes $141.5 billion for military personnel, including costs of pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits and permanent change of station moves.
- Bans the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.
- Authorizes Dual Status Military Technicians to be eligible to participate in Tricare Reserve Select.
- Increases STARBASE funding by more than $20 million. STARBASE educates kindergarten through 12th grade students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to encourage careers in those fields.
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