Ruppersberger Applauds Passage of Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act Conference Agreement

Press Release

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, a House appropriator who sits on the Defense subcommittee, today issued the following statement after passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act Conference Agreement in a 335-78 vote:

"A balanced and bipartisan conference agreement during these extremely uncertain times could be considered a remarkable achievement, but today's vote marks the 60th consecutive NDAA passed by the House of Representatives. Today, Democrats and Republicans united in support of our troops, their families and our nation's veterans -- despite a veto threat from President Trump over an unrelated issue.

This bill honors our service members with a well-deserved 3 percent raise and increased hazard pay. It extends 12-weeks paid parental leave to 100,000 federal civilians inadvertently excluded from legislation last year, including at the VA. And it provides a long-sought-after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange. It includes new safeguards that will prevent future Administrations from raiding military coffers for pet projects like President Trump's border wall, which continues to cost Maryland's Fort Meade critical funding.

There are several measures of specific benefit to Maryland and the Second District. We have been working hard to address substandard housing at Fort Meade and this bill updates the health and safety standards for all military housing and includes reform measures for housing contracts. The NDAA includes language directing the Department of Defense to begin a thoughtful process that will culminate in the removal of Confederate names from federal property, including at the U.S. Naval Academy. Finally, this NDAA prevents the Department of Defense from retiring the Air Force's A-10 aircraft, which are operated by the Air National Guard unit at Middle River's Warfield Air National Guard base.

The focus on cybersecurity in this bill is historic. It includes the vast majority of policy recommendations proposed by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, such as legislation creating a National Cyber Director. I was a proud original cosponsor of this bill and I believe we need it now more than ever, as we face down unprecedented cyber attacks at every level -- including a ransomware attack on Baltimore County Public Schools earlier this month. I look forward to the appointment and Senate confirmation of a well-respected leader with federal cybersecurity experience."

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