The House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. As Utah’s only representation on an Armed Services Committee and a conferee involved in negotiating the bill, Congressman Bishop helped secure: a 3.1-percent pay raise for our troops, language ensuring survivors of deceased service members receive the benefits they deserve, the establishment of the United States Space Force, and the continued rebuilding of the military.
Importantly, Congressman Bishop also secured the following provisions, which have particular impact at Hill Air Force Base (HAFB):
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 to facilitate a new entrance gate aimed at improving traffic flow in and around Hill AFB and Davis County.
Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD)
To respond to the nation’s deteriorating nuclear infrastructure and the aging Minute Man III (MMIII) weapons system, the military has prioritized nuclear modernization as critical to maintaining America’s continued military dominance. GBSD, the replacement for the MMIII, is the first major acquisition project based out of Hill AFB. Bishop fought against the partisan draconian cuts to the program and helped secure funding for the program.
F-35
Bishop pushed for authorization to purchase 90+ Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, enabling the forces to modernize and equip themselves with the most advanced and capable fifth-generation aircraft. Hill AFB is the home to all F-35A maintenance and should expect increased workload based on this authorization. This bill perpetuates HAFB’s proud tradition of servicing our nation’s fighter aircraft.
Upon voting for the National Defense Authorization Act, Congressman Bishop stated,
“This year’s NDAA continues to rebuild our military in a bipartisan and bicameral way to repair our military from the detrimental cuts by the past administration. The positive policies promoted in this legislation will buoy up our warfighters, support our dedicated civilian workforce, and continue to place the country in a position of strength. To top it off, Hill AFB will continue to play an extremely vital role in our nation’s defense. The only sad part of this whole situation is that Speaker Pelosi’s lack of leadership led us to delaying passage of this annual bill until the final moment. It could have been done months ago, but House Democrats have been purely focused on the circus of impeachment.”
