Press Releases
Congresswoman Lori Trahan Announces Massachusetts Priorities Secured in House Passed National Defense Authorization Act
Washington,
July 12, 2019
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, secured several key wins for Massachusetts in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (H.R. 2500). The House passed the NDAA earlier today. The FY20 NDAA authorizes $733 billion for our national defense to take care of troops, conduct critical research and development, and secure our country. “This year’s defense authorization will improve military readiness and maintain our Armed Forces’ capability in a volatile and changing world. We’ve provided our men and women in uniform with the pay increase they deserve, made critical investments in technology to safeguard our cyber infrastructure and capabilities, and took another important step towards combating sexual assault in the military,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Massachusetts plays a vital role in safeguarding our servicemembers and our Nation. I am pleased that the FY20 defense budget will support our Commonwealth’s military facilities, thousands of civilian and military jobs, and enhance our leadership in research and development which prepares our next generation of servicemembers and keeps our competitive advantage sharp. I’m especially pleased to do all of this while cutting unnecessary spending at the Pentagon. I was glad to stand with my colleagues to defeat an amendment to the budget that would have added an additional $17 billion.” added Congresswoman Trahan. What stakeholders are saying: “The HEROES research team and the university are very appreciative of Rep. Trahan’s support for HEROES. It will help HEROES expand research and development activities to meet critical needs in the areas of soldier protection and survivability, by use of lightweight, multifunctional materials that will reduce the weight and logistical burden on military personnel while increasing functionality and mission effectiveness,” said Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan, co-director of HEROES and faculty member in UMass Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering. "The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Trahan, Turner and Cisneros in introducing the Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act, and working to have it included in the National Defense Authorization Act. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all institutions are doing everything in their power to address and end sexual violence. Strong protections for survivors as well as a critical focus on preventing future violence are absolutely necessary to accomplish this goal in the military," said Terri Poore, Policy Director, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence “Protect Our Defenders proudly and fiercely supports the Prevention of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act, and is glad to see language from that critical legislation included in the National Defense Authorization Act. The military has thus far failed to quell the number of sexual assaults committed within its ranks, thus necessitating the assistance and advice of an informed and unbiased task force. Protect Our Defenders fully endorses the increased transparency that this bill would provide to victims of military sexual assault, as well as the expanded opportunities for career advancement for enlisted members interested in pursuing advanced degrees in law,” said Adelaide Kahn, Program and Services Manager, Protect Our Defenders. “Boston University is grateful for Congresswoman Trahan’s support of the Department of Defense’s science and technology activities. Thanks to her leadership, Massachusetts universities can continue groundbreaking research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, all of which contribute to national security,” said Gloria Waters, Boston University’s Associate Provost and Vice President for Research. Congresswoman Trahan led on several provisions included in final passage that are important to Massachusetts, including key research collaborations between the Department of Defense and leading universities, such as UMass Lowell, UMass Amherst, Boston University, and Northeastern University.
Additionally, this NDAA: Takes care of our servicemembers:
Builds a stronger national defense:
Strengthens oversight:
Bolsters accountability:
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