Washington, DC (August 13, 2018) Congressman Pearce released the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law.
"I am proud to see the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law today. The men and women who fight to defend our nation's freedoms deserve modernized tools, higher pay, and the support of our government. In Congress, I am dedicated to honoring our troops and am happy to see several of my initiatives included into this bill. This action is long overdue and I am pleased that we have finally put our military on a better course forward."
Background: Included in this year's NDAA bill are several initiatives and amendments added by Congressman Pearce which aim to support New Mexico's strong military heritage –ultimately supporting our military men and women who have made great sacrifices for our nation's freedom.
- An amendment to expand the scope of Test and Evaluation Strategic Plans. For far too long, DOD has focused on short-term requirements for testing facilities that places our national security at risk. My amendment revises what must be included within these strategic plans to provide flexibility in testing.
- An amendment to require DOD to assess our nation's space launch capabilities and infrastructure against potential vulnerabilities, focusing on how Spaceports, such as Spaceport America, can be utilized to conduct launches.
- A New Mexico Delegation amendment requiring the Department of Energy to develop a strategy for the future that will safeguard the important work Los Alamos National Lab does for our nation's weapons program.
- Language that supports the ongoing mission advanced space situational awareness testing at Magdalena Ridge Observatory.
- Authorized $396 million for NM's Waste Isolation Pilot Plan (WIPP), which will ensure the site can continue to modernize and serve its national security role for decades to come.