Washington, D.C. –Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) joined his House colleagues in voting for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. The bill passed by an overwhelming majority of 363 to 70. 

“Political gridlock should never stand between the American people and the security of the United States,” said Bacon. “For the 61^st consecutive year, Congress has prioritized our national security interests by modernizing our conventional and nuclear deterrence capabilities, supporting Gold Star families, and bolstering our national strategy to combat any aggression or threats from foreign adversaries. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for their bipartisanship commitment to get this bill across the finish line.”

“Rep. Bacon has been an effective leader on the House Armed Services Committee. As a veteran, he has been laser focused on ensuring that our servicemembers have the funding and tools they need to be prepared for conflict. The NDAA is critical for our national security – which is why it has always enjoyed bipartisan and bicameral support. I thank Rep. Bacon for his work on this incredibly important piece of legislation,” said Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-AL).

The 2022 NDAA: 

• Authorizes $768 billion for national defense including significant investments in the defense workforce and critical technologies including artificial intelligence, space, autonomous systems, and hypersonic weapons.  
• This funding level includes an increase of $25 billion above the original amount requested by President Biden which members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees believed was insufficient.
• Fully funds modernization of the nuclear weapons enterprise to replace aging systems and reverse the dangerous decline in the effectiveness and reliability of America’s nuclear deterrent.
• Authorizes a 2.7% pay increase, establishes a basic needs allowance for servicemembers, and requires actions to improve childcare and support for military families with special needs.
• Establishes an independent commission to review the war in Afghanistan, including the disastrous withdrawal, and present its findings and recommendations to Congress.

The 2022 NDAA also includes the following legislative provisions championed by Rep. Bacon:

·      Authorizes $150 million for Baltic security.

·      Authorizes an increase of $100 million in military construction funding for flood reconstruction at Offutt Air Force Base.

·      Authorizes $50 million to recapitalize privatized military housing at Offutt AFB.

·      Authorizes an increase of $10 million for USSTRATCOM’s nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) initiative at Offutt AFB.

·      Accelerates advanced mission system development and engine procurement for the EC-37B “Compass Call” electronic warfare replacement aircraft operated by the 55th Wing. 

·      Directs the Secretary of Defense to reform military casualty assistance programs.

·      Directs the Secretary of Defense to review the current categorization system for unmanned aerial systems. 

·      Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish an executive agent for foreign language continuing education.

Additionally, during negotiations with the Senate, agreement was reached to remove the following provisions from the final version of the 2022 NDAA:

·      Language authorizing so-called “Red Flag” extra-judicial personal firearm confiscation

·      Language requiring women to register for the Selective Service System

·      Language placing the District of Columbia National Guard under the command authority of the Mayor of Washington D.C.

 “This comprehensive defense policy bill strengthens the security of the United States and safeguards the freedoms, opportunities, and prosperity of all Americans,” added Bacon. “Once again, this year’s NDAA is a win for the country, the state of Nebraska, and our local economy.” 

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