Bolstering Our National Defense and Supporting Our Troops

Today, the House passed the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to bolster our national defense and ensure our military readiness on the world stage. It also included a 5.2 percent pay raise for our troops at Fairchild Air Force Base – the largest pay bump in more than 20 years! But that’s not all. Here are a few of the other big wins in this year’s package:

I’m also proud of the wins in this bill that were inspired by some of the best partners I’ve had the opportunity to team up with – Ret. Major Will Ostan and Eastern Washington’s own Hannah Cvancara and Bobby Moran. Taking their ideas and turning them into results that will help others in their shoes is what makes this job special. Because of their advocacy and commitment, we are one step closer to:

✅ Getting the Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights signed into law to cut through red tape, improve transparency, and increase accountability for wounded warriors. This bill would ensure veterans are able to effectively appeal decisions made regarding their medical separation from service and entitlement to disability benefits.

✅ Creating more opportunities for people who are ready and willing to serve in the United States Armed Forces. This provision was inspired by Hannah Cvancara, a Spokane resident, who suffered a childhood amputation that disqualified her from serving as a nurse in the United States Navy. It would encourage the Department of Defense to consider changing its policy currently prohibiting an individual – who is otherwise qualified – from serving.

✅ Ensuring Soldier’s Medal recipients get the recognition they deserve with my Bobby Moran Soldier’s Medal Retirement Act. This bill would eliminate the retirement pay cap for Vietnam-era veterans who received the Soldier’s Medal, ensuring recipients receive the increased retirement compensation they earned with the honor. I was proud to lead this on behalf of United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Bobby Moran from Usk, Wash., who was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for risking his life to save eight people after their boat capsized in the turbulent waters of Pyramid Lake, Nevada.

I’m proud of what we accomplished this year to support our troops and strengthen our national defense. You can learn more about all of the great things in this year’s NDAA by clicking here.