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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Defense Policy Bill Advances with Provisions Backed by Rep. Salud Carbajal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24) joined a bipartisan majority of the House Armed Services Committee to advance the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA), which includes multiple provisions championed by the congressman. The bill supports operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base, promotes the welfare of U.S. servicemembers and military families, and invests in research partnerships with Central Coast colleges and universities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY23 NDAA includes a bipartisan amendment sponsored by Rep. Carbajal, which commissions a study to ensure that military airspace routes can interact safely with on and offshore wind installations.
  • The bill secures a $7 million increase to the Spacelift Range System, improving infrastructure at space launch ranges, including those at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
  • Rep. Carbajal's efforts led to the inclusion of language supporting the 'Range of the Future' initiative at Vandenberg.
  • The FY23 NDAA also includes a provision to create a Space National Guard, co-sponsored by Rep. Carbajal.
  • The bill supports a historic $4.6% pay raise for U.S. servicemembers.
  • Rep. Carbajal co-sponsored a bipartisan measure to create a centralized Military Housing Feedback Tool for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
  • The amendment requires a report on a more transparent, fair, and flexible way to calculate the basic allowance for housing.
  • Rep. Carbajal co-sponsored an amendment to waive naturalization fees and certain other immigration-related benefits for the immediate relatives of Purple Heart recipients.
  • The bill expresses the Sense of Congress that the United States strongly supports membership for Finland and Sweden in NATO.
  • Rep. Carbajal secured increased funding for research programs conducted in partnership with U.C. Santa Barbara and other universities.

Statistics:

  • $7 million: increase to the Spacelift Range System to improve infrastructure at space launch ranges.
  • 4.6%: pay raise for U.S. servicemembers.
  • $10 million: increased funding for research programs at U.C. Santa Barbara and other universities.
  • $10 million: increase for aerospace engineering research, conducted in partnership with Air Force Research Lab and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
  • 57-1: House vote in favor of the FY23 NDAA.
  • $950 million: allocated for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).

Sources:

  • "Press Release: Carbajal Backs 4.6% Pay Raise for Troops, Creation of a Space National Guard, in FY23 NDAA." Office of California Rep. Salud Carbajal.

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