Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind voted for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which will support our service members, maintain military readiness, and bolster our national security. The legislation sets important national defense priorities for the upcoming year and is critical to ensuring the national security of the United States. It also includes a 3% pay raise for service members, provides critical benefits for certain veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to NATO.
“Our brave men and women in uniform, veterans, and their families deserve the very best our nation has to offer,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “It’s critical that we continue to make sure those who courageously defend our nation have all the resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs. To that end, I’m proud to vote for the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to protect and support our troops.”
The annual National Defense Authorization Act determines critical defense and national security priorities. This year’s bill also directs the VA to provide benefits to veterans exposed to Agent Orange who were later diagnosed with bladder cancer, parkinsonism, or hypothyroidism, which Rep. Kind called for earlier this Congress. Additionally, the bill calls for the VA and the defense department to develop standards of coordinated care for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST).
