Lucille Roybal-Allard

09/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2021 19:51

Rep. Roybal-Allard Statement on Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC - "I was proud to vote for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). We have a firm obligation to do all we can to protect those who protect us. That's why I'm happy this bill makes long-overdue reforms to how the U.S. military prosecutes sexual assault in the ranks. It creates an Office of the Special Victim Prosecutor to address special victim crimes including sexual assault, sexual harassment, all offenses against a child under the age of 18, and more. The bill criminalizes sexual harassment and violent extremism under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and establishes judge-alone sentencing and sentencing guidelines that increase fairness across the system.

"Keeping America safe means investing in our service members and ensuring the families who make sacrifices alongside them are taken care of. The NDAA increases military basic pay and authorizes a basic needs allowance for qualifying low-income servicemembers. It increases allowable parental leave and improves and expands military health care. The bill also continues important health and recognition programs for our nation's veterans and establishes a program to prohibit debt collectors from using unfair or threatening practices in connection with the collection of debt from servicemembers and veterans.

"Investments in our nation's alliances and partnerships are also investments in America's national security. In contrast to the previous administration's contempt for democratic norms and ideals at home and abroad, the bill strengthens our nation's efforts to defend democratic values worldwide in the face of challenges from authoritarian states and makes needed investments in our global alliances and partnerships.

"As Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I'm particularly pleased the bill authorizes nearly $1 billion to improve our nation's cybersecurity capabilities. It also directs the establishment of a Cyber Threat Information Collaboration Environment within the Executive Branch to facilitate the transmission, sharing, and analysis of cyber threat information.

"My vote for this NDAA was a vote for the safety of our nation and those who courageously defend it. I thank my colleagues for their work on this critical bill and I am proud to have helped it pass."