LARSON VOTES TO INVEST IN DEFENSE WORKERS, JOBS, AND SMALL BUSINESSES

Press Release

Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to pass bipartisan defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023.

"This year's NDAA supports thousands of workers, jobs, and small businesses in Connecticut's First District," said Larson. "It provides a significant investment in the people who power America's defense from the servicemembers in our military to the manufacturers and researchers building technologies of the future. The FY2023 NDAA continues to create Connecticut jobs and bolster our national security by authorizing $11.6 billion for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, $12.8 billion for Virginia-class and Ohio-class replacement submarine programs, and $3.9 billion for Sikorsky helicopter programs.

"The F-35 program brings thousands of union jobs to Connecticut's First and will continue to do so with this funding. I worked with my colleagues to add an amendment to provide additional F-35s to this year's bill. We have the best machinists and engineers who work every day to build the safest and most capable fighter engine ever produced. I am honored to fight for them and the F135 engine they craft.

"The bill will improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families by providing a pay increase as well as ensuring a $15 minimum wage for contract employees. It will also establish a program to train behavioral health providers to meet the unique challenges of service members and their families. I joined Rep. Jahana Hayes on an amendment to require all behavioral health resources on military-installation websites be kept up to date so servicemembers and their families can always access help.

"The NDAA will also establish a Commission on Civilian Harm to prevent, mitigate, and investigate harm to civilians during military operations. Senator Chris Murphy and I urged President Biden to overhaul US counterterrorism policy to center human rights and civilian protection after The New York Times' report found patterns of failure in deadly airstrikes.

"As we continue the fight to protect reproductive rights in our country, this year's NDAA will eliminates contraception co-pays at the Veteran's Administration, ensuring veterans do not face unnecessary barriers to access" Larson concluded.

"The Machinists throughout District 26 in Connecticut commend Congressman Larson's continued fight to protect the F-135 engine program. This engine is essential to our nation's air superiority and provides thousands of jobs for our members and aircraft manufacturer Pratt and Whitney," said Jeff Santini, Assistant Directing Business Representative IAM District 26.

Connecticut Priorities Included in the FY2023 NDAA:

$11.6 billion for the F-35 Program
$5 billion for the B-21 Program
$2.3 billion for the CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter
$6.2 billion for Columbia Class Replacement Submarine Program
$1.2 billion for E-2D ADV Hawkeyes
$2.9 billion for KC-46A Tankers
$6.6 billion for Virginia-class submarines
$950 million for UH-60 Blackhawks
$272 million for the Future Vertical Lift Program
For a breakdown of the bill, click here.

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