Gottheimer Amendments Passed into Final Bill to Combat Terrorism, Protect National Guard, and Support Military Families

Strategic Insights -

The US House of Representatives passed amendments introduced by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) to be included in the final defense bill, which will address critical issues such as combating terrorist organizations on social media, protecting National Guard members from COVID-19, and supporting military families affected by the SALT deduction cut. The amendments will be included in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2021, setting policy for the US Defense Department for the coming year. Gottheimer's legislation aims to provide the necessary resources to fight terror and keep Americans safe at home and abroad.

Key Takeaways:

  • The amendments will combat foreign terrorist organizations' use of online social media platforms by requiring the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the threat posed by online radicalization.
  • The legislation will provide quarantine protections for National Guard members responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring they are provided with 14 days of housing to quarantine safely.
  • Gottheimer's amendments will protect children from dangerous lead water in DoD schools by requiring public disclosure of results from lead and copper testing.
  • The bill will address the impact of the SALT deduction cut on military families by requiring the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to prepare an annual report on the nationwide costs of living for DoD members.
  • The legislation will strengthen banking transparency into state sponsors of terrorism by requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to report semiannually on financial services provided to benefit a state sponsor of terrorism.
  • The bill will combat white supremacy and global terror by requiring the Department of State to develop a coordinated strategy to counter white identity terrorism globally.
  • Gottheimer's amendments aim to support military families affected by the SALT deduction cut, which is harming many New Jersey families who are seeing their taxes increased due to the change.
  • Congressman Josh Gottheimer is "proud" that his amendments will be included in the final defense bill, stating that he takes "no responsibility more seriously" than protecting the US and its families.

Statistics:

  • 14 days: The amount of housing provided to National Guard members to quarantine safely.
  • $0: The cost of the proposed amendments, as they are part of the existing National Defense Authorization Act.
  • 2021: The year in which the National Defense Authorization Act will be implemented, setting policy for the US Defense Department.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives -- Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) Gottheimer Amendments Passed into Final Bill to Combat Terrorism on Social Media, Protect National Guard from COVID-19, Test Lead in Drinking Water in DoD Schools, and Report on SALT Cut Harming NJ Military FamiliesAnnual defense bill will include crucial Gottheimer amendmentsWashington, July 20, 2020
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