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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) provided the following statement after voting in support of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The world is a safer place when the United States is strong. Men and women put their lives on the line every day in service to our nation, and it is our job to ensure they have all of the tools they need to carry out their missions efficiently and safely. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides our troops with a three percent pay raise, authorizes extra pay for troops in combat zones, and supports their families with the care and benefits they deserve. It initiates mental healthcare reforms for service-members, family members and retirees and seeks to improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs in the Department of Defense.

“The NDAA ensures service-members have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they need, along with providing medical surge capacity in certain healthcare facilities.  It provides health benefits to members of the National Guard that supported the COVID-19 response.

“We must not forget about troops who are transitioning into civilian life and the veterans who courageously served in our Armed Forces. This NDAA adds bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms to the VA’s presumptive list so veterans can finally receive the benefits they have earned, an effort I have been working on for years. Furthermore, it advances my work to improve the military’s credentialing programs for transitioning service-members.

“Importantly, this bill implements an overarching defense strategy designed to deter threats from China and Russia, and funds an additional Virginia-Class submarine, 93 F-35 aircraft, 12 F-15EX, 24 Super Hornets, as well as additional Apaches, Blackhawks, Abrams tanks, and Strykers. The Abrams tanks and Strykers are built in Lima, Ohio. The NDAA strengthens the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and empowers the government to better protect against cyber-attack. Our work to fight terrorists must continue, and this NDAA contains multiple authorities to train and equip partners, including Afghan, Iraqi, and other forces.

“I am proud that with this NDAA, we are maintaining our competitive edge and taking significant steps towards a stronger United States of America and therefore, a safer world.”   

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