Bill to Fund National Defense Passes House

I voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023.

There is nothing that Congress works on that is more important than providing for our national defense. I am proud that this bill fully funds our military, allows us to counter the Chinese Communist Party, and provides a much-needed 4.6% pay increase for our troops. 

It includes several amendments that I offered to support our allies abroad, counter Russia’s malign activities, and help to gain a better understanding of the rising cancer rates among fighter pilots and aircrews. 

Pilots and aircrew have been found to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and melanoma, with possible links to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and testicular cancer. My bill, the ACES Act, which directs the Secretary of the VA to study cancer incidence and mortality rates among military aviators and aircrew, was included in the NDAA.

The ACES Act will help advance research on any correlation between aviator service and cancer rates to better assist veterans and active service members. 

As a former fighter pilot, I know first-hand the risks that airmen and women take every day when they step into the cockpit. After putting their lives on the line in the line of duty for their country, airmen and women deserve assurances that they will be taken care of and not put in undue danger. This legislation will play a vital role in protecting our service members and advocating for health and overall well-being.

The FY23 House version of the NDAA is a strong first step. There is more work to be done on improving it, and I look forward to closely shepherding it through the legislative process. 

I will always support our military.