Menendez Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021

Statement

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the bipartisan, bicameral National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2021. The $770 billion FY2022 defense spending bill provides vital funding to support our national security, American's troops, veterans, and their families.

"I am pleased to have voted for a bipartisan defense bill that will equip our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to keep our nation safe and uphold the American values we hold dear. Despite initial Republican obstruction in the Senate, we were able work on a bipartisan basis to invest in our security, bolster the civilian military workforce, and support the troops who are willing to put their lives on the line for our freedom.

"This critical legislation contains several provisions to support our servicemembers including a pay increase for our military personnel, the expansion of parental leave to 12 weeks for all servicemembers, and improvements to the Basic Need Allowance to ensure that all servicemembers can provide for the basic needs of their families.

"The FY2022 NDAA also makes critical investments to increase the Air Force's global reach by dedicating more than $2.3 billion to purchase KC-46A mid-air refueling tankers, similar to the two currently housed at New Jersey's Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. This will continue to position New Jersey as a clear strategic location for the country's national defense and create greater economic opportunity in our state.

"I look forward to working with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass other priorities important to New Jerseyans and their families that were not included in the bill passed today."

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