McEachin Secures Key Wins in National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) helped pass the bipartisan H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) and secured key priorities in the legislation.

Rep. McEachin secured the following provisions in the FY2022 NDAA:

• $5,805,000 for the planning and design of the Virginia National Guard (VNG) Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF). The existing facility's lease expires in 2032 and will not be renewed due to the Richmond International Airport Authority's runway extension project that will be constructed over the current AASF site. Funding for the planning and design of the new facility in Sandston will help Virginia meet crucial maintenance and sustainment requirements necessary to keep aircraft and units within the VNG force structure.
• The Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protégé Program Act. The legislation introduced by Rep. McEachinwould authorize a business mentor-protégé program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The legislation seeks to encourage large contractors to partner with small businesses and enhance their capabilities, and therefore, make small businesses more competitive for DHS contracts.

"The bipartisan NDAA provides crucial resources and support for American servicemembers and their families, bolsters our national security and modernizes our nation's defense systems, and authorizes additional federal funding for the resettlement of Afghan evacuees," said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). "As the son of an Army veteran, I will always stand up for our brave servicemembers and support policies that improve their lives. I am proud to have successfully secured more than $5.8 million in federal funding for the planning and design of an Army Aviation Support Facility for the Virginia National Guard. This money will ensure the Commonwealth's current military assets can remain within the state. Furthermore, I am pleased to advance my mentor-protégé legislation, which will strengthen small businesses and bolster the Department of Homeland Security. I urge the Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation without delay."

During the FY2022 Appropriations process, Rep. McEachin submitted the Community Project Funding request for the planning and design of a new VNG facility. The new facility will help Virginia meet crucial maintenance and sustainment requirements necessary to keep aircraft and units within the VNG force structure.

A summary of the provisions in the FY2022 NDAA is available here.

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