Rep. Takano Statement on House Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021
Washington, DC – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following yesterday’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The NDAA authorizes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense, which will strengthen our security and advance our leadership in the world.
“This legislation will contribute to our national defense strategy by promoting a more diverse and inclusive military and giving servicemembers a raise they deserve,” said Rep. Mark Takano. “I’m proud to have included several key provisions in this bill that will protect hundreds of jobs at March Air Reserve Base in my district, rein-in predatory for-profit colleges and protect servicemembers’ education benefits. Congress still has much work to do for the people, but we have made important progress and will continue forward on the path to a stronger, safer America.”
The NDAA includes the following provisions sponsored and co-sponsored by Rep. Takano:
- Amendment #441: Prohibits the consolidation or transition to alternative content delivery methods within Defense Media Activity until 180 days after DoD certifies that such a consolidation would not create new security vulnerabilities or increase costs to servicemembers.
- Amendment #263: Establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs an office of cyber engagement to work with veterans, federal agencies, and social media platforms to identify cyber risks to veterans and their families and address these risks.
- Amendment #703: Closes a federal loophole by making military education benefits count as federal educational assistance funds and limits the availability of federal funds for proprietary for-profit institutions.
- Amendment #249: Requires a joint report from the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs on former members of the armed forces who were discharged under policies discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender servicemembers, and who have applied for a discharge upgrade.
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