CONGRESSMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN BILL THAT STRENGTHENS AMERICA’S NATIONAL SECURITY, INVESTS IN SERVICEMEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). This bill is the product of negotiations between the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and is a compromise between the two versions of the bill that both chambers passed earlier this year. H.R. 2670 was approved by a vote of 310-118 and now goes to President Biden to be signed into law.

“I was pleased to support the Fiscal Year 2024 national defense bill today, which maintains our military readiness by investing in the core strength of our national defense – our service members, civilian workers, and their families. It also reaffirms our commitment to America’s allies and partners as well as ensures that our country remains at the cutting edge of innovation and technology by strengthening our domestic industrial base,” said Congressman Bishop. “This bill reflects the consensus of an overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans in both the U.S. House and Senate – focusing on our national security and rejecting culture war poison pill amendments put forth by the extreme, MAGA wing of the House majority.”

The FY24 national defense authorization bill:

• provides a 5.2% increase in pay for servicemembers, as requested by President Biden

• expands eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance – which provides funds to military families for food, housing, etc.

• invests $1.5 billion in military family housing and dedicates nearly $600 million to replacing dilapidated barracks

• increases access to child development centers

• improves access to and reduces out of pocket costs for mental and physical healthcare

The defense authorization bill increases oversight of equipment provided to foreign countries. It also ensures the U.S. keeps pace with competing world powers by remaining at the vanguard of emerging technologies. It strengthens America’s defense industry base by requiring any new Major Defense Acquisition Program to be compliant with the Buy America program.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Bishop opens the Congressional Military Family Caucus 2023 Summit at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in August