WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) last night voted in favor of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which passed the House by a vote of 363-70. He released the following statement:
“For sixty years, the NDAA has received strong bipartisan support, and I’m pleased that tradition continued this year. I was glad to vote in favor of this bill to fully equip our servicemembers and give them a pay increase, enhance military readiness, and generally provide for a strong national defense. This summer’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan demonstrated how critically important it is that we strengthen our military and give our men and women in uniform every tool and resource they need to defend our nation and keep us safe. After months of debate and compromise, I was happy to see the House and Senate come to a bipartisan agreement that prioritizes our military and does not include any poison pills, including any ‘red-flag’ provisions. Last night’s passage signals to our adversaries that the U.S. remains ready and equipped to respond to threats at home and abroad. I was proud to support this bill, I hope the Senate does their part to pass it quickly.”
The NDAA provides $768 billion in total defense spending for FY2022 and:
- Authorizes a 2.7% pay raise for servicemembers
- Creates an independent commission to examine America’s involvement in Afghanistan and provide recommendations and reports aimed at enhancing foreign policy and national security decision making
- Provides $2.5 billion for the modernization of ground-based strategic weapons
- Establishes pilot programs with technology incubators and small businesses to ensure our military can rapidly acquire the best emerging technologies
- Improves recruitment and retention of technical and scientific talent in the Department of Defense with expanded scholarships and benefits
