Haaland's Wins For New Mexico Advance in the NDAA

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland's (NM-01) priorities that deliver jobs and funding to New Mexico, fight for equality, and address climate change, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 (NDAA).

Haaland introduced a number of floor amendments to the bill including one that protects service members from pregnancy discrimination and one that limits funding to Brazil in response to the human rights violations against indigenous communities.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Haaland secured provisions for New Mexico in the NDAA during the markup committee. Those provisions include her "Rent the Camo" pilot program and the Selected Reserve Education Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Enhancement Act. Additionally, Haaland increased funding to military family housing protections and secured the Kirtland Air Force Base a spot on the shortlist for Space Force research and development.

"New Mexico's priorities that secure jobs and support military families are included in the bill that passed today and will move forward to the U.S. Senate. The time and effort put into this bill have ensured that the federal government adequately supports military families, addresses climate change, and sustains and creates New Mexico jobs," said Congresswoman Deb Haaland, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill reflects our values as a country by ensuring that all service members are treated with respect and receive the necessary support and resources from the government. Finally, it addresses important foreign policy issues and stands up for human rights. I'm proud I successfully included provisions and amendments in this year's NDAA that will benefit New Mexicans, all Americans and, our global community."

"At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, and in an increasingly divisive political climate, for the 60th consecutive year the Congress has proven that our constitutional obligation to "provide for the common defense' is far more important than politics," said Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "I am incredibly proud of the work that the House Armed Services Committee was able to accomplish this year, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and strongly believe the FY21 NDAA is an excellent piece of legislation that delivers for our military. Thanks to the work of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the bill we passed today supports our troops, reflects our values, and provides for a strong national defense."

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