Congressman Tim Ryan Votes for Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Vice-Chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, voted tonight to support the bipartisan FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill contains a number of provisions authored or supported by Ryan, including his legislation to improve programs that help Ohio Guard and Reserve families with special healthcare needs.

"I am pleased to see several provisions I supported be included in the National Defense Authorization Act," said Congressman Ryan. "This legislation will directly impact the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians of our Armed Forces, including our service members here in Ohio. Additionally, these bills will ensure our troops have the resources needed to confront the strategic challenge posed by China and uphold our commitment to freedom by bolstering Ukraine's defense against Vladimir Putin's murderous regime. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law."

Additional provisions of the NDAA bill authored or supported by Congressman Ryan include:

Congressman Ryan's Exceptional Family Member Program amendment requires the government to conduct a study on barriers Guard and Reserve servicemembers encounter when accessing the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). EFMP assists in managing care and services for a family member with special needs. It is eligible to all active service members and those in the guard and reserve activated for over 30 days. The study will focus on how many Guardsmen and Reservists are eligible for the program but not currently enrolled.

The All-American Flag Act, cosponsored by Ryan (OH-11), requires the federal government only to purchase flags that contain 100 percent American-made materials entirely manufactured in the U.S. Current law requires the federal government to purchase flags made of only 50 percent American-made materials.

The Transition for Success Act, cosponsored by Ryan, expands the SkillBridge program, a Department of Defense program providing service members an opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. This amendment will allow National Guard members to participate in the program.

The SPC Christian War Act, cosponsored by Ryan, authorizes claims for reimbursement for the personal effects of deceased members of the Armed Forces that were damaged, lost, or destroyed when being returned to designated persons.

This year's NDAA authorizes a total of $839.3 billion for discretionary defense spending, including a 4.6% base pay increase for service members and civilians at the Department of Defense, inflation bonuses for those making less than $45,000 per year, and codifies a $15 minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts.

Furthermore, the bill builds on the United States' assistance to Ukraine with funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and the European Deterrence Initiative, requires the U.S. European Command to reduce reliance on Russian gas, and includes provisions to increase supply chain security and continue efforts to address harmful contamination at military installations.

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