Kratovil Joins Bi-partisan Majority In Agreeing To The National Defense Authorization Conference Report

Press Release

Today, Congressman Frank Kratovil joined his House colleagues in agreeing to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2010. Congressman Kratovil, a member of the House Armed Service Committee, offered three successful amendments that are included in the final conference report. These amendments will enhance the legislation by improving mental health care, improving reporting on progress toward security and stability in Afghanistan, and encouraging energy efficiency on military bases.

The NDAA authorizes $550.2 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE). The bill also authorizes $130 billion to support overseas contingency operations during fiscal year 2010.

"As a new member of Congress and a member of the Committee it was humbling to be a part of the debate and to play a role in legislation that strengthens our national security and provides the standard of living that our troops, veterans and their families deserve," said Rep. Kratovil. "I had the opportunity to offer three very critical amendments that benefit those I represent, members of the military, and our national interest, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting my efforts."

The legislation will provide the necessary resources and authorities to quickly and efficiently reverse declining trends in military readiness, and will also provide our service members in harm's way with the best gear and force protection possible. Under the measure, our troops will get better health care, better pay, and the benefits they have earned.

The main provisions of this year's NDAA promoted policy objectives shared by both Democrats and Republicans on the Committee and in the Congress as a whole; restoring military readiness; taking care of our troops and their families; focusing on our strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and on redeployment from Iraq; eliminating waste and recovering savings through acquisition reform; and maintaining robust oversight of the Department of Defense.

"This defense bill is a reflection of our commitment to the troops and our desire to provide the necessary resources that keep Americans safe and protect our national interests," said Rep. Kratovil.

The first successful amendment offered by Congressman Kratovil modifies the congressionally mandated "Report on Progress toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan." The amendment is a comprehensive assessment designed to improve the Congress' understanding of the role being played by our coalition partners in Afghanistan.

The amendment requires that the report include any specifics on existing agreements with NATO countries, as well as non-NATO yet troop contributing nations regarding mutually agreed upon goals, strategies to achieve such goals, resource and force requirements, and commitments of support regarding troops and resource levels. It also requires a listing of the unfulfilled commitments of coalition partners; as well as the location and staffing requirements of each Provincial Reconstruction Team led by a nation other than the United States.

"The situation in Afghanistan is a global issue with global consequences, although the U.S. plays a pivotal role in securing and stabilizing the region we also must ensure that our NATO allies are contributing their fair share as well," said Rep. Kratovil. "This amendment will ensure a proper accounting of what our NATO allies are contributing to our mutually agreed upon goals and that the United States is not contributing an undue amount either financially or in manpower."

The second successful amendment offered by Congressman expands the ability for defense facilities such as Andrew's Air Force Base to receive financial incentives for implementing energy management policies. Prior to the amendment installations were only permitted to receive financial incentives for energy management measures that came directly from electric utility companies and not third party energy management providers. The amendment gives defense facilities the authority to accept these financial incentives from third party energy management providers.

"This is a beneficial situation for taxpayers, military installations, and the environment because it allows Defense facilities to save money and re-dedicates the savings toward their most pressing needs while reducing peak demand and lessening strain on the energy grid," said Rep. Kratovil. "Anytime I have an opportunity to offer legislation that saves the taxpayer money and protects the environment it's a win-win and I am pleased that my colleagues supported my amendment."

Before the bill reached the full house for consideration Rep. Kratovil played a key role in increasing mental health resources available for active military and veterans by offering an amendment that was accepted by the committee.

The final legislation included the Kratovil amendment to direct the secretaries of the military departments to submit a report assessing the required number of military mental health providers needed to meet the mental health care needs of service members, dependents, and military retirees. The report must include a plan for how the Department of Defense will achieve the appropriate number of military mental health providers. His amendment complements another military mental health provision he advocated for, Section 535 of Title Five of the bill, which directs the secretaries of the military to devote a portion of their financial assistance and scholarship aid to members of the military pursuing advanced education in any of the following disciplines: social work, clinical psychology, psychiatry, and any other disciplines that contribute to the mental health care programs within their department.

Section 535 also provides the necessary funding for additional mental health scholarships, and recognizes the importance of increasing the number of mental health professionals in the armed services.

"Honoring our commitment to those who serve our nation and their families means offering the men and women of our Armed Services not only first class medical care for physical injuries, but also first class mental health services," said Rep. Kratovil. "Our protracted engagements in Iraq in Afghanistan have led to a rise in the need for mental health services among members of our Armed Services and Veterans. Our work would have been remiss if we had not addressed the situation and I was grateful for the opportunity to offer the amendment and pleased that my colleagues supported the effort."

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