Senator Stabenow Secures Important Priorities for Michigan in National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) secured important priorities for Michigan in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate by a margin of 89-10.

"This bill continues to make important investments in our men and women in uniform," said Senator Stabenow. "It secures a well-earned pay raise for our troops and funding to improve Michigan military facilities."

This year, Senator Stabenow secured important provisions, including:

A 2.7% pay raise for our men and women in uniform.

Upgrading and enhancing military facilities across Michigan. Military facilities in Alpena, Southfield, Battle Creek, Harrison Township, and Grayling are authorized to receive more than $140 million in funding to build new and update existing facilities.

Extending and funding ongoing PFAS health study. The bill extends an ongoing health study on the impacts of PFAS exposure, which is critical for establishing stronger federal standards for PFAS.

Expediting PFAS testing and remediation at military sites. Modeled after legislation Senator Stabenow introduced earlier this year, the Filthy Fifty Act, the National Defense Authorization Act establishes a two-year deadline for the Defense Department to complete PFAS testing at each contaminated military installation and National Guard facility.

Improving the effectiveness of Stabenow's bipartisan law to support Michigan veterans. Passed in 2019 as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, Stabenow's law reforms the Defense Department's Transition Assistance Program, which provides counseling, training, and assistance to servicemembers who are leaving the military for civilian life. As part of the NDAA legislative process this year, Senator Stabenow secured language in the Senate's Committee Report to ensure her law is being implemented effectively so returning servicemembers and their families are properly connected to local community groups -- including veterans' service organizations -- that can provide employment, healthcare, and other transition services.

Prohibiting the retirement of the A-10 Warthog, which is flown at Selfridge Air National Guard base.

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