McEachin Helps Pass FY2023 NDAA, Fund Our National Security Priorities

Press Release

Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted in support of H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023), to equip the Department of Defense and the U.S. military with the right resources and authorities to meet the greatest threats to the United States and our national security.

The NDAA authorizes $839.3 billion for defense discretionary spending to invest in our servicemembers, innovation and technology, and our global allies and partners.

"This year's NDAA reflects America's values and makes strategic investments to support our armed forces, bolster our national security, and prepare the United States to deal with the growing threats posed by China and Russia," said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). "Among this NDAA's many provisions, it includes significant pay raises for our servicemembers and civilians, investments in research and development initiatives -- including research projects at HBCUs -- and the establishment of the DoD's Center for Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation."

The NDAA includes the following provisions:

A well-earned raise for Virginian servicemembers, including a 4.6 percent pay increase for uniformed and civilian personnel, 2.4 percent inflation bonuses for servicemembers earning less than $45,000 per year and a $15 per hour minimum wage for federal contract workers.
Support for the people of Ukraine, including $1 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and additional efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on Russian energy.
Resources for minority serving institutions, including more than $111 million in HBCU research funding and a pilot program to increase research capacity at MSIs.
Investments in next-generation defense technology, including $275 million to fund advances in hypersonics, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence.
Civilian harm mitigation measures, including the establishment of a Commission on Civilian Harm and a Center for Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation.
Improvements to supply chain security, including an assessment of dual-use technology and strengthened risk management for pharmaceutical supply chains.
Expanded cooperation with U.S. allies, including anti-trafficking and climate resilience efforts.

"Furthermore, I am proud the legislation includes strong climate provisions to help support our ongoing efforts against climate change," continued Rep. McEachin (VA-04). "The climate crisis is a matter of national security, and this bill takes important steps to help us mitigate some of the worst impacts. I am proud to help pass this bipartisan legislation to protect American democracy, support our troops, and help the United States maintain its competitive edge."

The NDAA contains several forward-looking, climate and environmental justice priorities, including

Requires the DoD to create a pilot program to collaborate with civilian airfields on the use of sustainable aviation fuel in military aircraft
Requires the DoD to adhere to the strictest relevant standard (state or federal) when conducting environmental remediation of PFAS contamination
Support for climate research and innovation at public-private centers for excellence
Enhances the climate resiliency of military installations both here and abroad

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