Rep. Delgado Votes for Annual Defense Bill to Meet the Needs of Service Members and Military Families, Strengthen National Security

Press Release

Tonight, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) voted to pass bipartisan defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, that strengthens America's security and meets the needs of our service members, veterans, and military families. The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2022 increases pay and improves benefits for service members, combats sexual assault in the military, and modernizes our defense technology.

"This bipartisan legislation supports our service members while making our nation safer and stronger," said Rep. Delgado. "Tonight, I was proud to vote to give a well-deserved pay raise to our troops, advance justice for survivors of sexual assault, and ensure our nation continues to outcompete the world."

For the sixty-first consecutive year, Congress will enact this essential legislation and fulfill its critical constitutional obligation to "provide for the common defense." The FY22 NDAA authorizes historic investments in our diverse fighting force, innovation, and emerging technologies. Doing so will ensure the Department of Defense can strengthen the nation's efforts to defend democratic values and strengthen our alliances in the face of challenges from authoritarian states -- while modernizing our national security institutions and processes to keep families safe on the Homefront.

The FY22 NDAA also includes Rep. Delgado's legislation to make Korean War hero Charles R. Johnson eligible for the Medal of Honor. Johnson, a native of Dutchess County, was overlooked for this decoration when he gave his life in service of his country--an injustice that has taken more than 70 years to correct. In addition to this provision, the bill also includes the following:
-Secures a 2.7 percent pay increase for our men and women in uniform
-Strengthens parental leave for caregiving servicemembers and expands access to child care
-Makes historic and significant changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes in the military
-Makes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency

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