Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted in the U.S. House of Representatives for the successful passage of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), critical legislation that funds U.S. national security.
Among the provisions of the NDAA are additional resources for American service members on the front lines of danger, more than $1 billion to combat ISIL/ISIS, funding for counterterrorism initiatives, 21st century investments in military technology including cybersecurity and cyberspace systems, and safeguards to protect New Jersey’s Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst from closure.
“In today’s changing and uncertain world, this legislation gives our military the resources they need to keep America safe,” said Rep. Donald Norcross. “Our brave service members need to have the best equipment and technology to protect themselves as they shield us and our allies from threats. This legislation also includes important provisions that align with my ongoing advocacy for New Jersey’s Joint Base, which is strategically critical to U.S. national security and vital to New Jersey’s economy as the State’s second largest employer.”
In his role on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Norcross previously fought for provisions in a Committee markup of the (NDAA) calling for pay increases for enlisted U.S. military personnel, including a correction involving a pay disparity at New Jersey’s Joint Base, that will result in pay raises for hundreds of civilian workers at the Base effective January 2017.
Additionally, Rep. Norcross successfully advocated to bolster directed energy research to protect the U.S. and Israel against ballistic missile threats, called for investments in state-of-the art manufacturing research being conducted at our local universities, and demanded the U.S. Department of Defense enter into contracts with high skilled labor by educating federal agencies on the importance of using project labor agreements (PLAs) that prioritize hiring our returning veterans.
The NDAA passed today includes Rep. Norcross’ provisions, as well as authorized leave for service members who are primary and secondary caregivers relating to the birth or adoption of a child.
“Our heroes in uniform deserve the best treatment we can provide. That includes peace of mind when they’re home and when they’re deployed. We have an obligation to ensure their quality of life is as good as possible, as they risk their lives in service to our nation every day,” said Rep. Norcross.
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the NDAA next week.
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Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.