This week, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed its Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a long list of wins for Missouri. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a member of the committee, supported the bill and issued the following statement:
“This bill is an important step toward getting our military men and women the training, the world-class equipment, and the support they deserve. I am pleased that the legislation includes crucial priorities for Missouri’s military bases, the surrounding communities, and the defense-focused businesses that call Missouri home. I want to thank Chairman Inhofe for his partnership and I hope the full Senate will act swiftly to move this bill forward.”
Direct Missouri benefits:
- Authorizes a pay increase for military personnel.
- Secures more than $270 million for construction projects at Fort Leonard Wood; Whiteman Air Force Base; Next NGA West-Phase II in St. Louis; the Army National Guard in Springfield; and the Air National Guard in Rosecrans.
- Authorizes extensive funding for the U.S. Air Force to buy 8 new F-15 fighter jets, built by Boeing in St. Louis.
- Authorizes $1.75 billion for the U.S. Navy to buy 24 new F-18 jets, also built by Boeing in St. Louis.
- Fully funds research and development efforts that support two other military aircraft that will be built in St. Louis.
- Supports the President’s efforts to expand the Navy, benefiting numerous Missouri businesses that provide parts and supplies to shipyards across the nation.
- Supports military families by extending the authority for the military to provide reimbursement to spouses who need to obtain new state licensure or certifications after moving to a new military installation.
- Directs the military to address critical shortfalls in its handling of military family housing by among other things, establishing a “tenants bill of rights” and ensuring prospective tenants have access to information to inform their decision to live in military housing.
- Prohibits a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round, ensuring Missouri military installations remain relevant.