The National Defense Authorization (NDAA) Act signed into law Monday by President Trump is expected to bring new missions to Georgia’s military community, as well as safeguarding U.S. military technology to improved base conditions and medical care for service members, according to U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA).
“Today, President Trump signed the defense bill that will deliver the tools our armed forces need to protect Americans at home and abroad. President Trump has shown he is committed to modernizing our capabilities and ensuring the United States has the strongest military in the world,” said Perdue, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
“Earlier this year, Secretary Mattis started the first audit of the Department of Defense in history. This review will make sure the Pentagon’s resources are spent responsibly as our women and men in uniform combat evolving threats around the globe. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a member of the select Conference Committee that finalized this defense authorization, I am very pleased that Congress is backing up President Trump’s commitment to rebuild our military.”
According to Perdue, the Bill will accelerate funding for the development of new and critical technologies for the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System at Robins Air Force Base, and expands support for legacy C-130 aircraft with an additional $129 million for engine upgrades and $154 million for propeller upgrades which will be done at Robins.
The NDAA also includes $250 million for the revitalization and long-term sustainment of the Columbia Class submarine industrial base that will benefit Georgia companies and King’s Bay, Georgia, and secures an additional $65 million for the re-winging of A-10 aircraft, some of which are based at Moody Air Force Base.
Here are some other highlights:
* Repeals Compass Call FY17 Requirement: Repeals a requirement from the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act that has caused work stoppages and impacted Georgian workers.
* Expedites New Mission To Georgia: Provides funding for the new Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), which gives the military the capability to access both restricted and non-restricted airspace. The Air Force has announced that ABMS will be hosted at Robins Air Force Base.
* Extends JSTARS: Prohibits the retirement of any aircraft in the JSTARS fleet, provides funding for full manning, maintenance, and operations for the full fleet for FY19, and creates a plan for the next ten years. It also secures funding for critical upgrades to enhance the operability and service life of the fleet.
* Promotes Military Spouse Employment: Multiple provisions address issues with low rates of military spouse employment and provide better access to beneficial programs that will help military spouses navigate the challenges of military life while supporting their families and their service members.
* Preserves ZTE Procurement Ban: Includes an amendment to preserve the U.S. Commerce Department’s export control authority and prohibit the federal government from purchasing ZTE and Huawei products in order to ensure the security of military communication systems.
* Restores Military Travel: Repeals a damaging cut to the per diem of service members and federal employees conducting official long-term travel that has negatively impacted those individuals and the businesses and communities serving them.
* Supports Georgia Industries: Ensures funding for a wide range of military equipment that is produced by businesses across the state of Georgia and includes authorizations for multi-year procurement contracts that will keep production lines open.
* Establishes Cyber Institutes: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish Cyber Institutes at colleges and universities with Reserve Officers’ Training Corps across the country, with a preference for Senior Military Colleges, to help ensure a robust cyber pipeline for Active Duty, Guard, and Reservists.
* Secures Critical Technologies: Protects critical technologies necessary for national security from falling into the hands of our global competitors and requires further investigation into industrial espionage and cyber theft conducted by China.
* Enhances Medical Care For Service Members: Secures funding for important medical research, development, and pilot programs that will enhance the care given to our service members at home and abroad.
