The House Armed Services Committee passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020. As a senior member of the committee and Utah’s only representation on an Armed Services Committee, Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01) submitted various provisions into the bill which were ultimately included in the committee-passed legislation.
Many of these provisions and others will have a direct beneficial impact on the state of the Utah. Following passage of the defense spending measure, Bishop issued this statement:
“Utahns have reason to be optimistic. Many provisions, which will continue on to the next stage of the process, can further strengthen Utah’s already mighty defense community. The active duty men and women at Utah’s Hill Air Force Base – along with the civilian workforce – can find even greater resources should these provisions become law.
“However, with Democrats in control of the House Armed Services Committee, much of what is included in this year’s NDAA could result in a net negative to our national security. For that reason, I cannot yet support the full bill. I do look forward to the reconciliation process when we can sit down with our Senate counterparts to turn this bill into a net positive for our nation and its defense.”
BISHOP-SPONSORED PROVISIONS INCLUDE:
|
Land Transfer – HAFB to Utah MIDA Bishop language directs the Air Force to transfer approximately 35 acres of land to the Utah Military Installations Development Authority (MIDA) to facilitate a new entrance gate aimed at improving traffic flow in and around Hill AFB and Davis County.
Child Play Areas at DOD EFMP Installations There are approximately 500 military members with dependents in the Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) program assigned to Hill AFB. Unfortunately, many of these children do not have access to ADA compliant playgrounds. Bishop took action to raise awareness for the need to have at least one ADA compliant playground at each DoD EFMP designated installation. F-35 Authorization of $10 billion to purchase 94 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, enabling the forces to modernize and equip themselves with the most advanced and capable fifth-generation aircraft. |
