Amata-Cosponsored VA-SBA Bill In Defense Act That Raises Troop Pay

Press Release

Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted provisions in the Defense legislation passed by the House this week, including a measure she cosponsored, a welcome increase in pay for the Armed Forces, and a commitment to the Pacific region.

"I'm pleased to see momentum in both the House and Senate for a pay raise for those serving our country," said Aumua Amata. "This bill also reflects the importance of the U.S. commitment to the Pacific region."

This major legislation includes a Veterans small business bill that Amata helped introduce as an original cosponsor, the VA-SBA Act (Verification Alignment and Service-disabled Business Adjustment Act), H.R. 1615. This measure transfers responsibility for verifying the status of a service-disabled veteran-owned or veteran-owned small business from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Small Business Administration to facilitate eligibility for various procurement programs.

Bipartisan Korea CODEL with Members of the House Armed Services Committee Rep Joe Wilson and Rep Vicki Hartzler and former Rep Carol Shea-Porter
File photo: Bipartisan Korea CODEL with Members of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Joe Wilson and Rep. Vicki Hartzler (center), and former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter

The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 sets out the yearly legislative support for military operations and priorities. The bill has passed the House and will have to be reconciled with a Senate version, and by necessity, have bipartisan agreement for the final outcome. Many portions of the bill have broad bipartisan support, and it's important to note that the Senate bill also has the 3 percent pay raise for our military.

Key Bipartisan Features of the NDAA:

3% pay raise for our servicemen and women for next year (building on this year's 3.1%).
$740.5 billion support for military projects and personnel.
Increased resources in the Indo-Pacific region to assure our allies and show US commitment to the Pacific.
Increased funding for scientific research and development to preserve American leadership in key technologies.
This year's NDAA is named for the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman William M. (Mac) Thornberry (R-Texas), who has served in Congress since January of 1995, and has announced his retirement after completing this year.

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