Final package includes Senator Jones’ bills to crack down on money laundering and financial crimes, to bring back jobs from China, and to block deadly fentanyl imports, among other priorities
WASHINGTON – The United States Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by an overwhelming bipartisan vote. The annual legislation authorizes national defense priorities for the next fiscal year and is developed in the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Senator Jones is a member. The House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this week and it will now head to the President’s desk for signature.
“This annual defense bill is a prime example of how we can work in a bipartisan way to serve the American people by protecting our country, supporting good jobs at home, and ensuring our troops and their families have the support they need,” said Senator Jones. “This year’s legislation once again invests in Alabama’s defense industry and recognizes our state’s preeminent role in national security and spaceflight. It also includes key provisions that I’ve fought for to target money launderers and other criminal elements that operate in the shadows of our financial system, as well as to strengthen the diversity of our military and attract top talent to serve in uniform.”
For the second consecutive year, the NDAA will provide a three-percent pay raise for service members. It also takes steps to improve the quality of life for military children and spouses, which has a direct impact on military readiness. In Alabama, defense industry employees will benefit significantly as a result of this legislation’s funding and workforce policies, which in turn will benefit their broader communities.
The bill also includes bipartisan legislation led by Senator Jones to combat money laundering and illicit financial activities, his legislation to block deadly fentanyl imports from countries like China and to incentivize investments in American semiconductor manufacturing in order to bring back jobs from China. Key elements of his legislation to increase diversity in our nation’s armed services were also included. The final legislation also included, with broad bipartisan support, a provision that Senator Jones supported and argued for during the Armed Services Committee bill markup to remove Confederate names from military bases.
Key provisions in the FY 2021 NDAA for Alabama’s service members and their families, military installations, and contractors and research institutions are listed below.
Strengthening Alabama’s Defense Infrastructure and Industry
- $24 million for advanced electrical generation and storage facilities at Fort Rucker in Dale County;
- $23 million for next generation fighter aircraft (F-35) facilities at Dannelly Field;
- $18 million to construct a small arms parts demilitarization facility at the Anniston Army Depot;
- $10 million to help steel manufacturers meet future defense needs, protecting current and future employment of thousands in Birmingham;
- $5 million to improve efficiency and readiness at the Army’s Aviation and Missile Center in Huntsville; and,
- $2 million for the Aerospace Education Research and Innovation Center (AERIC) at Tuskegee University, and a $5 million increase overall for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Funding for Alabama’s Contribution to the National Defense Strategy
- $349.7 million for an additional THAAD ballistic missile defense battery, key parts made in Troy;
- $260 million for an expeditionary fast transport (EPF) ship, made in Mobile;
- $35 million for Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM), made in Troy;
- $7.5 million for research into lightweight power sources for Navy ships. The University of Alabama conducts leading edge research and development of silicon carbide power sources;
- $7.3 million for continued research and development of advanced plastics technology. The Mobile area is home to a company that is pioneering thermoplastic tailorable composite manufacturing;
- $5 million for research into advanced repair and modification processes. The University of Alabama is currently working with the DoD to develop these technologies;
- $5 million to complete development of new satellite technology. Huntsville is home to companies that are leaders in this field and are well-positioned to compete for these funds;
- $5 million to accelerate the Army helicopter modernization program. Bell Helicopter, in Ozark, is participating in this program;
- $3 million to develop a hypersonic missile testing facility. Huntsville is home to a number of companies that contribute to the Defense Department’s hypersonics research and development;
- $10.5 million to build a high energy laser system lab to help with the Army’s weapons modernization programs. The Army’s high energy laser program is headquartered at Redstone and works with a number of Huntsville companies; and,
- $3 million for hybrid additive manufacturing research and development to help with the Army’s weapons modernization programs. The additive manufacturing industry is robust and growing in Alabama, with research and development ongoing in Birmingham.
Support to Improve the Safety and Health of Military Housing and Bases
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to implement within 90 days all applicable security and emergency response recommendations to protect U.S. military installations, which follows a call by Senator Jones to increase base security after Enterprise, Alabama native Joshua Kaleb Watson was killed during a terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola last year; and,
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each installation conducts or develops a plan to conduct regular live emergency response training with first responders.
Funding for Coronavirus Response
- Increases funding to support the Defense Department’s coronavirus vaccine research and to integrate with other vaccine research programs; and,
- Authorizes hazard pay for troops deployed in response to the coronavirus.
Expanding Support and Opportunity for Minority Service Members
- Authorizes pilot programs to reduce barriers to participation in satellite ROTC programs and to provide flight training scholarships at HBCUs;
- $14 million for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) at HBCUs
- Takes steps toward identifying and eliminating barriers to minority participation in elite units in the armed forces; and,
- Supports continuing and expanding the Air Force JROTC pilot training scholarship program to increase diversity in the pilot ranks and address the pilot shortage.
Support for Military Spouses and Children
- $50 million for Impact Aid to schools that serve military children;
- $20 million for aid to military children with disabilities;
- $15 million for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) youth educational programs (STARBASE);
- Authorizes a pilot program to expand eligibility for attendance at DoD schools for military dependent children living off-base;
- $4 million to continue development of interstate agreements on licensed occupations for military spouses; and,
- Increases reimbursement to military spouses for state licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations.
Media Release/Caroline Stonecipher/Office of Alabama Senator Doug Jones
