Spano Strengthens National Security; Provides Troops Pay Raise

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Ross Spano (FL-15) proudly supported the passage of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill that outlines the nation's military priorities for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and provides service members a pay raise. Spano's relentless legislative efforts led to several of his legislative priorities be included in the bill.

"America has the best trained, best equipped and best led military in the world, and it's our responsibility to provide them with the necessary resources to keep our country safe," said Spano. "The rising threats of hostile nations like China and Russia, force us to remain at the cutting edge of our military capabilities-- all while taking care of our troops and veterans."

A key provision positively impacting FL-15 and championed by Rep. Spano, is a 3% pay increase for service members. "Our district is home to thousands of military service members and their families. They sacrifice so much for our country, and we should always remind them how much we appreciate their service." added Spano.

Spano used his position on the House Small Business Committee, as well as his leadership position on the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations, to include five provisions that strengthen our national security and fulfill our commitment to our men and women in uniform, and residents of Florida's 15th Congressional district.

These include: the "Boots to Business' program to educate service members and veterans on how to start and run their own businesses, the VA-SBA Act which would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to certify veteran run small businesses who receive SBA preferences are actually owned by qualifying veterans, and a prohibition on using federal airport improvement funds to purchase passenger boarding bridges from Chinese-backed companies. Spano also serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

As approved, the FY21' NDAA appropriates $740.5 billion in defense spending, which will be used to properly equip all military branches, including the recently established branch by President Trump, the U.S. Space Force.

The bill passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming vote of 295-125.

Source