House and Senate Approve Defense Bill with Measures to Strengthen National Security and Support Our Troops

Strategic Insights -

Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla) played a key role in securing provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which includes measures to protect U.S. servicemembers from threats abroad and counter aggression by the Chinese Communist Party in Latin America and the Caribbean. The bill, which passed the Senate on December 15, 2021, and the House of Representatives last week, includes a 2.7 percent pay increase for U.S. servicemembers. The legislation also contains measures to monitor China's efforts to project power in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 includes provisions to protect U.S. servicemembers from threats abroad and counter aggression by the Chinese Communist Party in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla) secured numerous provisions in the final version of the bill, including measures to protect U.S. servicemembers and to monitor China's efforts in the region.
  • The NDAA contains a provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to brief key Members of Congress on foreign government threats to U.S. servicemembers, and to prepare a report on China's efforts to expand its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • The bill includes a measure to require the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict to prepare a long-term strategy for U.S. special operations forces to recruit and retain individuals proficient in critical foreign languages.
  • The legislation also includes a requirement to sustain and strengthen collaborative activities between U.S. and Israeli special operations forces.

Statistics:

  • 2.7 percent pay increase for U.S. servicemembers
  • 0 percent cost increase for the current year deleted from the 2023 NDAA
  • Majority of measures introduced will go into effect immediately
  • 2022 NDAA authorizes a historic 2.7% pay increase for all military personnel
  • Majority of the $725 billion National Defense Authorization Act to address specific, achievable goals such as the COVID-19 pandemic, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Representative Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla)