Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included provisions he authored. Loebsack, a former member the House Armed Services Committee, helped author three provisions that were incorporated in this year’s legislation, including language to strengthen Arsenals, modernize Ammunition Plants and also boost STEM jobs within the Department of Defense (DOD). Additionally, the legislation prohibits any new BRAC rounds, which Loebsack also fought to include in the bill. The legislation will now be considered by the Senate.
“Our men and women in uniform, along with their families, proudly and honorably serve our country. As a military parent, I am proud to have worked to deliver the level of support and access to resources our troops need and deserve. While this legislation does not include everything I would have hoped, the amendment offered by Representative Bustos and me takes important steps to drive more workload to the Rock Island Arsenal and helps both the Arsenal and Quad Cities’ economy remain strong. I was pleased to work with members from both sides of the aisle to ensure the security of our nation and provide the needed support to our troops.”
Provisions Congressman Loebsack fought to include in the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act:
· Arsenal Leasing Responsibility – This amendment would ensure that the Secretary of Defense has to certify that there is not suitable space in an existing military installation before buying or leasing space on a commercial property. This will ensure greater utilization of our nation’s organic industrial base facilities, including the Arsenal. Loebsack joined Representative Bustos in authoring this amendment.
· STEM(MM) Jobs – This amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to perform an assessment of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, as well as Maintenance and Manufacturing (STEM(MM)) workforce within the DOD and identify a plan of action to address the STEM(MM) jobs gap. These jobs are a critical part of the organic industrial base workforce, and this amendment enhances the mission and the role of our nation’s arsenals and depots to ensure that maintenance and manufacturing are recognized as specialized, protected skills that DOD retains and protects.
· Modernizing Army Ammunition Plants – Directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a long-term investment strategy that sufficiently funds improvements and needed modernization for Army Ammunition Plants to help improve safety and capacity.
In addition, Loebsack pushed to include many provisions important to our troops and their families, including:
· A pay raise for our troops;
· Makes no significant changes to TRICARE, the military healthcare system ;
· Continues to address PTSD and suicide among troops leaving the military, including:
o Requiring a mental health exam for service members before they transition out of the military.
o Directs a report on the methods and resources available to educate dependents on suicide risk factors and ways to support service members, with a special emphasis on those with diagnosed PTSD.
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