Neal Statement on NDAA Vote

Statement

Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal released the following statement following the House of Representatives vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

"Today, I voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill significantly benefits western and central Massachusetts in many concrete ways. For companies like Warren Pumps and General Dynamics that have a local presence to name a few, this bill helps create and sustain well-paying jobs that generates millions of dollars into the local economy. For Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield and Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, the NDAA provides a 2.6% pay raise for all military personnel and helps both installations continue their vital national security missions, more effectively respond to natural disasters, and remain economic drivers in the region.

In addition, the NDAA urges the Department of Defense (DoD) to expedite and streamline environmental restoration efforts for communities effected by groundwater contaminants surrounding military installations around the country. Also, this bill requires to DoD to establishing a prescription drug monitoring program to help combat opioid drug abuse inside the military.

It is for all these reasons that I am confident that this act will be beneficial for our troops and families and for all the people of the First District for years to come."

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