Larson Votes for NDAA
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“Connecticut is one of the top five recipients of federal defense dollars as a percentage of state GDP, and this year’s NDAA will continue to support the tens of thousands of workers, jobs, and small businesses in this industry,” said Larson. “Connecticut machinists and workers provide the best equipment for our warfighters, and the products they manufacture are sought after around the world. I am proud to work with the rest of the Connecticut delegation, especially Armed Services Committee member, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), to invest in the workforce that builds Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, Electric Boat Submarines, and Sikorsky helicopters.
“Our military service members make countless sacrifices for our country and deserve good wages and housing. This year’s NDAA provides a 4.6% pay raise for service members, adds funds to Basic Allowance for Housing, increases the maximum allowable income to receive the Basic Needs Allowance, and adds $210 million for commissary funding.
“I stand committed to reducing civilian harm and, earlier this year, called on the Administration to overhaul U.S. counterterrorism policy to prioritize civilian protection and human rights. I am pleased this bill creates a Civilian Protection Center of Excellence within the Department of Defense (DoD) and extends an authority for the United States to make payments for damage, personal injury, or death to a civilian that is inadvertently caused by the U.S.’ use of force.
“Furthermore, as Russia continues its illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and China continues to modernize its military, threaten its neighbors, and crack down on human rights in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, this year’s NDAA invests in America’s global partnerships. It provides $800 million in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), $11 billion in funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and over $6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative,” Larson concluded.
“Release of the fiscal year 2023 NDAA further enables GKN Aerospace to be a key supplier to the U.S. military. GKN Aerospace is focused on optimizing our most advanced weapons platforms and new defense technology, while keeping both the warfighter and our local communities at the forefront. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships within Connecticut to create job security and drive growth and innovation.” -GKN Aerospace
Connecticut Priorities Included in the FY2023 NDAA:
$8.7 billion for 69 F-35s, eight more than the President’s Budget Request
$1.8 billion fully funding the B-21 Raider Long Range Strike Bomber Program
$1.2 billion for 7 E-2D Hawkeyes, two more than the President’s Budget Request
$1 billion for 20 Sikorsky Combat Rescue Helicopters, ten more than the President’s Budget Request
$2.3 billion for 12 CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters
$5.6 billion for the Ohio-class Replacement Submarine Program (Columbia-class)
$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A Tankers
$6.6 billion for 2 Virginia-class submarines
$1 billion for 55 UH-60 Blackhawks, two more than the President’s Budget Request
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