Washington, D.C. – Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) joined his House colleagues in voting for H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. The bill passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority of 329 to 101.

“For the 62nd consecutive year, the House of Representatives has put national security first by ensuring a strong military and supporting servicemembers and their families,” said Bacon. “I commend my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for supporting this important legislation.”

The House 2023 NDAA: 

• Includes a 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers and additional 2.4 percent pay bonus for enlisted personnel.
• Authorizes $500 million in additional housing allowances and $750 million to reduce food and other item costs at commissaries. 
• Establishes a Servicemember Parents Bill of Rights to secure the rights of parents in their children’s education at Department of Defense (DOD) schools.
• Restores funding for the nuclear sea launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) and prohibits any reduction in the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).
• Authorizes over $7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter China.
• Requires comprehensive reviews of assistance provided to Ukraine by the DOD Inspector General.
• Extends the prohibition on dishonorable discharge characterizations for servicemembers who refuse COVID vaccination.
• Prohibits the implementation of the COVID vaccine mandate on DOD contractors until Congress receives a report on its impact on procurement timelines and readiness.
• Fully funds National Guard operation and maintenance accounts to support border deployments and clearly states that the border crisis is a national security issue.

The House 2023 NDAA also includes the following legislative provisions led by Rep. Bacon:

• Authorizes an increase of $360 million in the Natural Disaster Recovery fund to complete flood reconstruction at Offutt Air Force Base (AFB).
• Authorizes procurement of the final four EC-37B “Compass Call” electronic warfare replacement aircraft operated by the 55th Wing. 
• Authorizes $20 million for USSTRATCOM’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) initiative at Offutt AFB. 
• Authorizes $20 million for implementation of the National Disaster Medical System surge pilot program in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).
• Authorizes an increase of $40 million for navigation and mission systems upgrades to the RC-135. 
• Authorizes conveyance of the Marine Reserve Training Center in Omaha to Metro Community College.
• Authorizes $225 million for Baltic security enhancements.
• H.R. 8348, the United States NATO Force Deployment Policy Act
• H.R. 8240, the Military Energy Security Act
• H.R. 8141, the Warrior Brain Health Act
• H.R. 8347, the Overseas Military Pay Protection Act
• H.R. 8329, the Military Threat Awareness Act
• H.R. 8346, the Military Academy Foundation Support Act
• H.R. 8298, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Expansion Act
• H.R. 8142, the Department of Defense Law Enforcement Credential Act
• H.R. 5658, the Department of Homeland Security Roles and Missions in Cyber Space Act

“A strong military benefits each of us by ensuring our national safety, economic prosperity, and way of life,” added Bacon. “The Constitution places a special obligation on Congress to provide for the common defense. I am grateful for the opportunity to protect the freedoms and opportunities of Nebraskans and all Americans.” 

A copy of the House bill’s text can be found here.

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