Press Releases

Last evening, Congressman Richard E. Neal voted to pass bipartisan defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, that strengthens America’s security and meets the needs of our servicemembers, veterans and military families.  This robust bill bolsters pay and improves benefits for servicemembers, combats sexual assault in the military and modernizes our defense technology.

“When we invest in what makes America strong – from our technology to our alliances to our men and women in uniform – we make our nation safer and stronger,” said Congressman Neal, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means.  “The NDAA is good for residents of western and central Massachusetts and the industries we have here that help keep our government going. In addition to a 2.7 percent raise for our servicemembers, there is more funding to support jobs and growth in our region. These include the authorization of projects that directly impact the workforce at General Dynamics in Pittsfield and Warren Pumps in Warren and the two entities will be able to retain roughly 1,500 jobs. In addition, the NDAA includes many provisions related to addressing the PFAS contamination in communities Westfield and throughout Berkshire County. The NDAA also requires that servicemembers in the National Guard and Reserves get paid at the same rate as their active-duty counterparts for special duty pay. Westover Air Reserve Base and Barnes Air National Guard generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development and this bill will ensure they are able to continue being strong community partners.”

The FY22 NDAA:

• secures a 2.7 percent pay increase for our men and women in uniform;
• makes historic and significant changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes in the military;
• invests in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help build a fairer and more diverse Armed Services; and
• makes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency.

“As Members of Congress, we have no greater responsibility than to ensure the security of our nation – and that starts with supporting our men and women in uniform,” Congressman Neal continued.  “With this year’s defense funding bill, Democrats secured crucial benefits and protections for our Servicemembers that will make our nation safer and stronger, while also making strong investments in our national defense and in our security interests.  I was proud to vote for this bill, which honors the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families.”

A summary of the provisions in the FY22 NDAA is available here.