Congressman Matt Gaetz Applauds House Passage of FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act
(RELEASED ON JULY 14, 2022)
Washington, D.C. — As a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) applauded the passage the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. House of Representatives today. Congressman Gaetz secured numerous provisions for Florida’s First Congressional District in the NDAA, including $525 million going directly to Northwest Florida’s military mission.
In response to the U.S. House of Representatives passing the NDAA, Rep. Gaetz issued the following statement:
“Our military must be one of the top, central focuses of the work we do in Congress. As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, we have to protect our country and hold the high ground. Today I voted in favor of the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The legislation must still shed some poison pills in coming negotiations with the Senate, after which it will be far more valuable to our beloved America.”
Before the FY2023 NDAA heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law, both Members from the House of Representatives and Senate will now work on a final version of the NDAA in Conference. Background information on the provisions Rep. Gaetz secured in the FY2023 NDAA can be found below.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range received over $140 million for expansive modernization of the range’s test instruments, infrastructure, and threat emitters to replicate adversary electronic warfare capabilities. The range will be upgraded and funded to be a center of hypersonic weapons testing, leading the Department of Defense’s efforts to close the capabilities gap with China and Russia.
Northwest Florida private-sector employers will also see programs they support funded and expanded. Fort Walton Beach and Crestview are home to two important suppliers for the CH-47 Block II program, Fort Walton Machining and Crestview Aerospace (formerly Vertex). The CH-47 Block II received a $216 Million plus up, sponsored by Rep. Gaetz, to produce 3 additional aircraft. Additionally, Niceville-based Integrated Solutions for Systems supports novel 3D printing for armament components and anticipates expansion due to a $5 million budget enhancement sponsored by Rep. Gaetz.
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Munitions Directorate on Eglin is at the cutting edge of developing future weapons design and testing solutions. Rep. Gaetz sponsored and secured $8 Million for developing new strategies for advanced munitions technology via the energetics industry and digital engineering solutions for advanced weapons testing. These programs will connect the defense sector with private industry and academia.
The National Naval Aviation Museum and Barrancas National Cemetery on Naval Air Station Pensacola are national treasures that must be reopened to the public. Rep. Gaetz sponsored an amendment that directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide his plan to reopen to the public by March 1, 2023.
Our service members are struggling under the weight of Joe Biden’s crippling inflation. Rep. Gaetz supported a spending increase to provide much needed relief to our troops, securing $800 Million for a 2.4% inflation pay bonus for service members making under $45,000 and additional $250 Million to reduce the cost of groceries at the commissary.
Finally, Rep. Gaetz led the charge on protecting our servicemembers who have been discharged, or who are facing discharge, for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Rep. Gaetz supported a provision that requires the Department of Defense to report to Congress every 60 days on denied medical and religious exemptions, forcing the Department to explain why these requests were denied.
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