House passes the Conference Report for the FY20 NDAA

WASHINGTON– Today, the House passed the Conference Report for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (FY20 NDAA) by a vote of 377-48.The FY20 NDAA authorizes $738 billion in defense funding and an additional $5.3 billion in emergency funding for disaster recovery.

“This was a challenging year, starting with two different bills that were far apart. But, for the 59^thconsecutive year, we were able to come to an agreement for our men and women in uniform and their families,” said Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon). “It is important for the men and women who serve to know that, despite differences on other issues, we can come together to support them.”

NDAA Highlights:

• Accelerates defense innovation to assist the Department of Defense’s (DOD) effort to access new sources of innovation. This legislation was sponsored by Congressman Thornberry.

• Modernizes our defense against adversaries, including acceleration of weapons development and purchases, nuclear modernization, and DOD acquisition reforms.

• Supports a 3.1 percent pay raise for our servicemembers.

• Increases transparency and oversight measures for military housing.

• Repeals the Widow’s Tax by including a three-year phased repeal of the requirement.

• Prohibits the use of firefighting foam in defense facilities containing PFAS after October 1, 2024.

• Establishes the United States Space Force as the sixth Armed Service of the United States under the Air Force.

District 13 Highlights:

• Authorizes $123 million for a High Explosives Science and Engineering Facility at Pantex.

• Provides $12.4 billion for nuclear weapons activities.

• Increases the staffing ceiling at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

• Increases the United States Air Force (USAF) personnel to 332,800.

• Funds $10.5 billion for Air Force operations, training, and maintenance, which supports Sheppard Air Force Base.