Majority Whip Clyburn Applauds Passage of The National Defense Authorization Act

Statement

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement today on the House-passed conference report on the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

"I am pleased the House today passed NDAA, which includes important provisions to support our national defense and meets the needs of our troops and their families. This legislation increases military pay by 3.1%, repeals the "widow's tax," promotes a more diverse and inclusive military, sets minimum standards for privatized military housing, and extends paid parental leave to all federal employees.

"I am also pleased the NDAA includes two of my provisions to expand JROTC programs. After nearly 10 years of work, this legislation will authorize my effort to allow 8th graders to participate in JROTC programs all across the country. It also includes Congressman Joe Cunningham's amendment, which I co-led, to allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish Coast Guard JROTC programs nationwide, of which the new Lucy Beckham High School in Charleston County can apply. Both of these measures will expand young people's access to leadership training and valuable life skills."

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