Congressman Joe Morelle Takes Action to Support Our Armed Forces and Military Families

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. Congressman Morelle helped craft this critical legislation as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

"This year's NDAA fulfills our nation's responsibility to provide the tools our military needs to address national security threats while modernizing policies that will better support our Armed Forces," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "I am proud to have helped create this important legislation which bolsters our ability to compete with countries like Russia and China, ensures we are prepared to protect global security and peace, and makes critical investments in our servicemembers and their families."

The NDAA is passed by Congress annually to support our military and ensure they have the tools and resources necessary to protect American families. Highlights of the legislation include:

Strengthening America's global competitiveness with China and Russia:

20 percent increase in basic research funding, strengthening the pipeline of future innovation.
Invests $100 million to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical elements of microelectronics production.
Requires a federally funded research and development center to assess DoD's ability to replenish critical munition inventories.

Support for our Allies

$1 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to provide support and assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Servicemember Assistance

Strengthens the military justice reforms for survivors of sexual assault.
Funds 4.6 percent pay increase for servicemembers and DoD civilians, including bonuses for servicemembers and civilians earning less than $45,000 per year.
Adds funds to decrease Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) reduction by 2 percent.
Bolsters funding for infrastructure to address poor and failing facilities such as barracks and child development centers.
Increases oversight of Privatized Military Family Housing Projects by requiring the military departments to notify and brief the House Armed Services Committee before executing any lease-term extension for a privatized military family housing project.

"I am working diligently to ensure servicemembers and their families receive the protections and benefits they deserve while enhancing and strengthening our national defense--and that is what we have delivered with this year's NDAA," said Congressman Joe Morelle.

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