WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7776, the bipartisan, bicameral text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), by a vote of 350-80.

"For the sixty-second consecutive year, Members of Congress have crossed party lines to deliver a defense bill that benefits those in uniform and advances the American people’s national security priorities. In the process, we’ve sent a powerful, bipartisan message to our allies and partners, global competitors, and the American people: democracy works and is essential to meeting the challenges of our time.

"This year’s NDAA reflects our enduring belief that people are the heart of America’s defense; investing in the foundation of our strengths here at home keeps us competitive abroad. The bill supports the largest pay raise since 2007 for service members, authorizes historic funding to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities driving research in science and technology, and sustains America’s innovation edge. It also expands cooperation with key allies and partners that share our values and ensures our national security policies align with our priorities, taking essential steps to address civilian harm.

"This bill represents compromise after months of hard work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress. Whatever our disagreements may be, there’s a lot to be proud of in this bill. As this legislation moves to the Senate, I thank my colleagues across the House and Senate Armed Services Committees for their thoughtful contributions to this agreement and its two underlying bills. I look forward to the swift passage of H.R. 7776 by the Senate and its signature by President Biden."

Background:

The FY23 NDAA invests in what makes America strong: our service members, alliances and partnerships, and our rich diversity. This year’s bill provides our service members with a 4.6 percent pay increase, increases the maximum allowable income to receive the Basic Needs Allowance, and adds funding to Basic Allowance for Housing. It takes full advantage of our diverse talent pool to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency across the Department of Defense while spurring innovation with new investments in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities delivering the technology of tomorrow. This legislation also delivers results for survivors of sexual assault in the military by further expanding reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and reflects the values of the United States by creating a Civilian Protection Center of Excellence.

For the sixty-second consecutive year, Congress will enact essential legislation to fulfill its critical constitutional obligation to “provide for the common defense” by prioritizing quality-of-life improvements for our service members, diversifying our workforce, and ensuring our country has the right tools to out-compete the People’s Republic of China and contain Russia.

Read the Final Text Summary of the FY23 NDAA.

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