WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on a bipartisan basis and sent the measure to President Biden. Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) voted for the measure as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and now celebrates its important wins for servicemembers, safety, and defense contractor transparency in this final version.

After supporting a bipartisan NDAA in committee, Congressman Deluzio voted against a partisan version of the measure on the House Floor that included right-wing policy riders and other culture war nonsense. This final version of the NDAA unfortunately included a temporary reauthorization (without reforms) of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which Congressman Deluzio believes needs reform to better protect Americans’ liberty.

“Although far from perfect, I voted for this year’s defense bill to give our servicemembers a raise, better support military families, address our most pressing national security challenges, and increase defense contractor accountability and transparency,” said Rep. Deluzio. “It also includes my amendments to improve safety for servicemembers and the public—with funds to clean up PFAS contamination at National Guard and Air National Guard facilities—and to require a report on rail safety and other transportation network vulnerabilities.”

More specifically, the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA includes the following measures:

• A 5.2% servicemember pay raise proposed in the President’s budget request.
• Expanded eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance, the program that provides funds for food, housing, and other social services for members of the military.
• Investments in military family housing, child development centers, and upgrades to outdated military barracks.
• Expanded Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) eligibility for federal employees.
• Representative Deluzio’s amendment to provide the National Guard and Air National Guard facilities—such as the 171st Air Refueling Wing, which is one of the worst PFAS-contaminated bases in Pennsylvania—access to funds used for environmental restoration efforts including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) cleanup.
• Representative Deluzio’s amendment to hold accountable companies that refuse to provide uncertified cost and pricing data. This amendment will fight back against defense contractor price gouging by directing the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to develop a framework for refining the parameters of what would constitute a denial of uncertified cost or pricing data under section 3705 of title 10, United States Code.
• Representative Deluzio’s amendment requiring a report identifying rail and other transportation network vulnerabilities and providing recommendations for interagency coordination, programs, or statutory changes to improve and maintain such strategic railways, highways, and seaports associated with national defense.
• A statement that the U.S. policy is to have as soon as practicable 355 battle force ships and that the shipbuilding defense industrial base is fundamental to achieving the shipbuilding requirements of the Navy and constitutes a unique national security imperative that requires sustainment and support by the Navy and Congress.
• Increased oversight of equipment provided to foreign countries by requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide reports on how equipment use is monitored.

The bill now heads to President Biden for his signature and includes many other important items.