Rep. Calvert Praises Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert joined a bipartisan majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives in approving the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill was approved by a vote of 315 to 108. The NDAA authorizes $552.1 billion for national defense and an additional $85.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) as compared to $552.2 billion for national defense and $88.5 billion for OCO in FY2013.

"Providing for our national defense is the most critical responsibility of our federal government and I'm pleased that the House was able to pass a bill that will help secure our country," said Rep. Calvert. "The Inland Empire continues to play a vital role in our national defense and that role is reflected in a number of provisions included in the Defense Authorization bill."

Here are some key provisions contained in the National Defense Authorization Act:

INLAND EMPIRE HIGHLIGHTS

Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial

Rep. Calvert's legislation, the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act (H.R. 330) is included in the NDAA. The designation of the memorial at March Field Air Museum as a National Memorial will ensure that brave American heroes, their families, and all admirers of the Distinguished Flying Cross, will have a place to remember, honor, and pay tribute.

Reaper UAV Placement

Provisions in the bill urge the Air Force to prioritize the replacement of MQ-1 Predators with MQ-9 Reapers at locations with existing Formal Training Unit (FTU) schoolhouses. In addition, the language directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit to the congressional defense committees a recapitalization plan for the replacement of MQ-1 aircraft with MQ-9 aircraft. The plan shall include the criteria for beddown, including both the weight and scoring of such criteria that will be given to MQ-1 wings and squadrons with co-located formal training unit schoolhouse missions.

Currently, the 163d Reconnaissance Wing operates a Predator FTU at March Air Reserve Base. The unit's schoolhouse Predators are stored, maintained, launched and recovered at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA).

NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Increased troop pay– The bill allows for a 1.8% increase in troop pay, consistent with current law.

• Prevention of new fees and fee increases under TRICARE– H.R. 1960 rejects proposals to increase fees or create new fees under TRICARE and maintains current reforms. The bill also allows certain beneficiaries to remain enrolled in TRICARE Prime after the DoD reduces the program's availability to retired beneficiaries.

• Benghazi– In light of the attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi in September of 2012, H.R. 1960 requires the submission of two new reports to Congress. The first will analyze the operational requirements for crisis response elements like the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Teams (FAST) and Commanders' In-Extremis Force (CIF); and the second will require DoD to review the posture and readiness of the U.S. to respond to similar attacks in the future in Africa and the Middle East.

• Reduced bureaucracy– The bill requires GAO studies aimed at reducing bureaucracy by putting a check on the expansion of headquarters staff within U.S. Central Command, all functional combatant commands, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, and the Service Secretaries.

"I commend Chairman McKeon and the Armed Services Committee for a thoughtful, responsible bill that prioritizes our national security," said Rep. Calvert, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. "I look forward to continuing regular order and bringing the FY2014 Defense Appropriations bill to the floor which aligns with the NDAA in providing for our nation's security and for the men and women who put their lives on the line to provide that security."

The House Appropriations Committee approved the FY2014 Defense Appropriations bill on June 14, 2013.