WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy:

“This NDAA represents a commitment to our nation’s security, the servicemembers of the U.S. Armed Forces, and those who supply the equipment and systems that keep them safe.

“Investing in the modernization of our military, maximizing the combat effectiveness of existing systems, and reducing risk in our defense industrial base ensures that we remain prepared at home and competitive abroad. To safeguard our nation’s ability to defend vital national interests wherever they may arise, we must take care of the people who make that possible at home.

“‘Buy American’ provisions ensure we bring the jobs that are essential to our national security back home. We secured funding to give our military heroes a 2.7% pay raise, and I fought to require defense contractors to pay a $15 minimum wage for their workers.

“Investing in America’s workforce – civilian and uniformed – ensures that we remain prepared at home and competitive abroad. This includes investing in manufacturing that will keep our nation safe while creating good-paying jobs in South Jersey and across the country.”

Aspects of the NDAA are relevant to the people who live and work in New Jersey’s 1^st congressional district. To support more than 1,200 high-paying jobs at the Philadelphia Shipyard, and prepare our nation's maritime forces for future conflicts, Norcross secured funding for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel and five additional V-22 Ospreys. Norcross also secured an additional $41 million to produce two Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, which are made by L3 Harris in Camden, NJ. Furthermore, he secured $170 million for new KC-46A tankers. The first KC-46A will be delivered to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst near the end of the calendar year. This funding will protect family-sustaining jobs in the district while preparing the U.S. for a future fight.

Norcross also secured funding for the New Jersey National Guard. The FY22 NDAA provides $100 million for the AESA radar for the Air National Guard’s F-16 fleet, a vital asset that will allow units like the 177th Fighter Wing to better protect the people of New Jersey and the nation.

Background:

Key provisions in the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act championed by Congressman Norcross include:

Buy American

• Raises the required percentage of domestic content for acquisitions covered by the Buy American Act.

$15 Minimum Wage for DOD Service Contractors

• Establishes a $15 minimum wage for covered service and construction contracts.

Responsible Contracting

• Requires DOD to establish a goal that contractors and subcontractors use qualified registered apprentices for new construction projects.

Wage Equity

• Ensures federal employees in the same geographic area are paid the same whether General Schedule employees or Wage Grade employees, such as tradesmen and tradeswomen.

Federal Firefighter Schedule Flexibility

• Ensures that federal firefighters who trade shifts are paid properly without being penalized.

Read the full summary of the FY22 NDAA as referred by the House Armed Services Committee here. Read Congressman’s original statement, including topline priorities, regarding the NDAA advancing out of committee here.

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Contact: Britton Burdick, Communications Director
britton.burdick@mail.house.gov