This week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich made an announcement regarding his successful efforts in securing investments for New Mexico's military installations, national labs, and service members in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senate has already taken its first procedural vote to initiate the consideration of the NDAA, and the final approval is expected next week according to a press release.
“The Senate is delivering a strong and bipartisan defense bill that invests in the success of New Mexico’s military installations and the dedicated service members defending our freedom at home and abroad,” U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich said.
According to a press release issued on July 19, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) achieved success in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), securing crucial support for New Mexico's military personnel, installations, national labs, and job-creating initiatives across the state. The Senate recently conducted its initial procedural vote to begin considering the NDAA, and the final passage is expected next week. The NDAA not only sets the Department of Defense (DOD) spending levels and policies for the upcoming fiscal year but also authorizes funding for vital programs such as the U.S. Department of Energy's nuclear weapons initiatives at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, along with the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup efforts, including the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
According to a press release, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich said, “I’m proud that this bill includes a number of forward-looking investments that I fought for to cement the position of New Mexico’s military installations and national labs as leaders in national security and innovation for years to come. I will keep working to steer all of these important investments for our military and national security missions toward full Senate passage, through a conference with our counterparts in the House, and on to President Biden’s desk.”
Senator Heinrich has advocated for measures that support New Mexico's military personnel, national laboratories, and defense missions during his tenure as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 2013 to 2020. More recently, he joined the Senate Committee on Appropriations, where he plays a role in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee according to a press release.
As the NDAA moves closer to final approval, New Mexico can anticipate substantial benefits for its military community and national laboratories. The bill's investments are poised to pave the way for continued excellence and leadership in defense and innovation, ensuring a prosperous future for the state's critical military assets.
