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), voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). The bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 57 - 2 out of committee, provides our military working families with the resources they need to keep our nation secure, invests in American workers and manufacturing, provides opportunities for registered apprenticeships and will make America safer. The bill also includes a number of provisions Norcross fought for that will raise the wages of our defense civilian workforce and bring critical manufacturing jobs back home.

“Today we put our working families first, especially the millions of military working families that deserve the best from a grateful nation,” said Chairman Norcross. “I am proud to have fought for provisions that make America safer by investing in the American worker. The threats to the United States today are more complex, and our adversaries abroad like China and Russia are engaged in the types of business practices that cost American Jobs. This bill will put us on a path to build back better by increasing our domestic supply chain capabilities, strengthening our workforce and giving our servicemembers the tools they need to win the future fight.”

Norcross added: “I applaud the leadership of Chairman Smith in ushering the NDAA through the House Armed Services Committee. This year I continued the fight to secure America’s supply chain and ensured the inclusion of ‘Buy American’ provisions that would bring jobs back home. Additionally, I led the way on obtaining a minimum wage of $15 per hour for all Defense service contractors, which will ensure the men and women supporting our armed services earn a living wage. I was also proud to support the inclusion of measures that will improve the ability of the Department of Defense to effectively prosecute sex crimes in the military, as well as identify and address extremism in the ranks.

“New Jersey’s 1^st Congressional district, the people of New Jersey and the broader Delaware River Valley win with this bill. I worked with Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Andy Kim (NJ-03) to support the soldiers, sailors and airmen at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, the New Jersey National Guard and the communities and companies that support them. This bill puts working families first in our military, in our state and in our community.”

Working for the People of South Jersey

Throughout the NDAA process, Norcross’s top priority remained the people who live and work in South Jersey. In support of the more than 1,200 high paying jobs at the Philadelphia Shipyard, and to prepare our nations maritime forces for future conflicts, Norcross secured support for the National Security Multi-mission Vessel as well as five additional V-22 Ospreys, This will add security and predictability to the many workers in New Jersey’s 1^st Congressional District who are an essential part of our national security. Furthermore, Norcross also ensured an additional $41 million was made available for the production of the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, which is produced by L3 Harris right in Camden. This funding will protect family-sustaining jobs in the district while preparing the U.S. Navy for a future fight.

Norcross also made sure to look out for the New Jersey National Guard. By supporting $100 million dollars for the AESA radar for the Air National Guard’s F-16 fleet, he ensured that the 177th Fighter Wing will remain a combat-capable asset for the people of New Jersey and the nation.

Supporting Our Defense Civilian Workforce

A secure supply chain depends on a high skilled domestic workforce. As the only union electrician in Congress and a lifelong labor leader, Norcross understands the importance of giving workers a voice and a fair wage for their work. That is why he successfully fought for including an amendment to raise the minimum wage for Department of Defense service contractors to $15 per hour – making sure that the men and women who support our national security are paid a living wage.

Additionally, Norcross authorized two provisions to support the future workforce. The first ensures that military construction projects utilize registered apprentices, which provide invaluable on-the-job experience while learning a trade. Norcross also fought to establish a manufacturing coalition between labor, career and technical education programs, workforce development boards and the defense industrial base to highlight expertise and create career pathways. By investing in our men and women seeking to learn a trade, we invest in the security of our country.

Boosting Jobs, Manufacturing, Research and Development

Norcross is always focused on creating good, family-sustaining jobs in South Jersey. Universities such as Rowan, and local employers like Boeing, Lockheed, L3Harris and other industrial base facilities across the region support not only the security of our nation but also the economy of our region each day.

Norcross authored a provision to enhance ‘Buy American’ standards for major defense acquisition programs and bring manufacturing jobs back home. Currently, for an item to be considered American made and compliant with the Buy American Act, it only needs to be made of 55% American parts. This amendment increases that standard to 60% immediately, 65% by January 2024 and 75% by 2029.

Norcross also voted in support of vital research funding, including $24 million for climate change research. He also secured $10 million for high performance polymer research and $5 million for turret gunner survivability research.

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Contact: Elizabeth Leer
elizabeth.leer@mail.house.gov