Last week's passage the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that provides $886.3 billion for New Mexico is great news for the state, Democrat U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján said in a statement.
The latest NDAA sets aside the hundreds of billions for New Mexico's military bases, national labs and servicemembers. Luján issues his statement shortly after casting his yea vote for the NDAA.
"From New Mexico's four military bases, to our two National Laboratories and brave servicemembers stationed across the world – this defense authorization delivers a strong investment that ensures the Land of Enchantment remains central to our country's national security efforts," Luján said in his statement. "Today, I was honored to join the Senate in passing this legislation that delivers funding to further environmental cleanup efforts and funding to boost the research and development capabilities of our National Labs. This reauthorization also provides critical investments to New Mexico’s military bases, ensuring our troops are well equipped and prepared."
The NDAA defines spending levels and policies for the U.S. departments of Defense and Energy (DOE), including crucial national security programs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, and DOE's environmental cleanup programs in New Mexico, according to Luján's statement.
Key provisions in the act include updates to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and funding for projects at military installations. The NDAA also provides a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and DOD civilians, extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and addresses land transfer and transportation infrastructure needs according to a press release.
NDAA provides funding for vital defense programs and supports research and development initiatives in New Mexico. The act addresses critical issues such as compensation for downwinders and uranium-related workers, benefits for Native American veterans and improvements to military infrastructure. It also funds projects to enhance defense perimeter and laser capabilities, and bolsters national security by maintaining the nuclear stockpile's reliability through advanced simulations. The NDAA demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding America's interests, supporting military personnel, and addressing environmental concerns, while also fostering collaboration with partners like Ukraine according to a press release.
"For New Mexico veterans, I was proud to secure two additional provisions to improve Native veterans access to their benefits, and to study the costs of installing traditional, upright grave markers at the Santa Fe National Cemetery," Luján said. "Overall, this reauthorization makes clear – our servicemembers represent the very best of our country. They deserve the much-needed pay raise and additional defense investments that embolden our military capability and boost morale, ensuring our armed forces are ready to protect and defend the American people."