Davids Votes to Pass Bipartisan Defense Bill Supporting Service Members and America's National Security

Statement

Last night, Representative Sharice Davids voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), which invests in our nation's service members, innovation and technology, allies and partners, and diversity to strengthen our national security. The NDAA is passed by congress annually to update defense policies and determine how military funding is spent. The bill passed with large bipartisan support.

"The programs in this bill demonstrate our commitment to service members and veterans in Kansas and around the entire country. As the daughter of a veteran, I was proud to vote yes," said Davids. "This bill develops workforce programs to train skilled industrial workers, supports mental and behavioral health services for veterans, and authorizes research focused on semiconductors in the National Defense Stockpile -- all initiatives I have previously supported. I'll continue to stand beside Kansas service members and veterans who dedicate their lives to keep our communities safe."

The House's version of FY23 NDAA includes a range of key national security priorities Davids has heard from constituents including:

Vital benefits for service members and their families, including a 4.6% pay raise for service members and civilian personnel, inflation bonuses for service members earning less than $45,000/year, and increased opportunities for mental and behavioral health services.

Supply chain security, including national security assessments of technologies used by China and improving risk management of critical pharmaceutical supply chains.

Resources for U.S. allies and partners, including $1 billion to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces and efforts to combat dependence on Russian energy.

This week, Davids also voted to pass the Honoring our PACT Act to provide health care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxins during their military service. In April, she appeared with Kansas City-area veterans and veterans' advocate Jon Stewart to urge passage of the critical legislation. It now goes to the President's desk to become law.

A summary of the provisions in the FY23 NDAA is available here.

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