WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House Armed Services Committee. The Act, which passed with a 60-1 vote out of Committee, provides our military personnel with the resources they need to keep our nation secure and includes safeguards to protect New Jersey’s Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (MDL) from closure.

“We live in an uncertain world where there are serious threats to our country and our democracy. This Act gives our military the resources needed to keep America safe,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “We also increased housing funds for service members and their families living on military bases, giving peace of mind to those who give so much to our country.”

Norcross continued: “I’ve been fighting for provisions that safeguard New Jersey’s Joint Base, which is strategically critical to our national security and to New Jersey’s economy. Thankfully, with no BRAC cuts and more KC-46s, I feel optimistic about the future of our base. Plus, we’re preparing our base for the future – by advancing solar projects and exploring strategic rail.”

The FY18 National Defense Authorization Act would authorize a discretionary base budget of $621 billion and $10 billion of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). The NDAA properly addresses shortfalls from President Trump’s proposed budget in many areas, including increased funding for our naval and ground forces, aviation readiness, facilities maintenance and missile defense.

The Act also provides $50 million to develop military options to respond to Russia’s increased capabilities and $8 billion for cyber operations.

Norcross added: “Russia has attempted to influence, alter and undermine American democracy and we provided funding to respond to Russia’s increased capabilities. Additionally, we’re effectively dealing with growing cyber threats and developing missile defense systems with Israel, our greatest ally in the unstable and unpredictable Middle East.”

Below are some specific provisions Congressman Norcross advocated for:

Protecting Joint Base MDL

Norcross worked to ensure that the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst won’t be targeted by Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and the Act did not contain provisions authorizing a new base closure round.

After successfully securing the KC-46 fleet at Joint Base MDL this January, Norcross just led the effort to secure funding for 17 KC-46 air refueling tankers in the NDAA. (Read a letter sent ahead of the NDAA mark-up.)

The early draft of the NDAA authorized only 15 tankers, however, General Darren McDew, Commander of the U.S. Air Force Transportation Command stressed the importance of the refueling mission and the Congressman advocated for the additional tankers. When asked by Norcross what keeps the General up at night, Gen. McDew immediately said, “air refueling tankers.”

Additionally, Norcross advocated for KC-46 hangars to house the new fleet and funding was included in President Trump's FY 2018 budget proposal.

Advancing Solar Projects

Norcross successfully advocated for measures to streamline the approval process for solar projects during NDAA discussions. During trips to military installations (including New Jersey’s Joint Base MDL), Norcross was made aware of bureaucratic hold-ups within the Department of Defense (DoD) that are preventing timely approvals for solar projects. There is no reason internal applications should spend years in the ethers (or piles of paperwork) when our military could benefit from updated renewable energy resources.

Exploring Rail

Norcross is also leading an exploratory effort to improve strategic rail capabilities. The Committee is now requesting information to identify rail infrastructure gaps that hinder military effectiveness. The Act directs the Commander of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command to provide a briefing to the Committee following the next Strategic Rail Corridor Network (STRACNET) report.

The exploration process could end up benefiting bases around the country, including New Jersey’s Joint Base MDL.

Restoring Base Housing

Today’s NDAA provides a legislative fix that restores Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) cuts – cuts that were authorized during sequestration. Norcross is a steadfast advocate for benefits for military families and is pleased that members of the military and their families who are living on bases may once again receive full allowances.

Supporting Israel, Our Democratic Ally in the Volatile Middle East

Norcross has consistently called for close military ties between the U.S. and Israel. The Act provides about $705 million – including a $500 million increase over the budget request – to Israel for co-production and development of Israeli missile defense systems, including IronDome, David’s Sling and Arrow.

Driving Energy Efficiency

Norcross also led efforts to encourage energy infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements. The Committee is now recognizing the importance of Energy Savings Performance Contracts and cost-effective efficiency improvements to military installations.

Updating War Authorization

Norcross also advocated for an updated Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) during the NDAA process. The AUMF that was proposed as an amendment would have authorized the use of force against Al Qaeda, the Islamic State and the Afghan Taliban. Although it was not included in the final bill, Norcross will continue to call for a new, updated, appropriate AUMF.

###

Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov