Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides the annual budget for the Department of Defense.

"I am proud to vote today to pass a bipartisan bill that provides a much-needed pay increase to our brave servicemembers while funding a strong and smart national security strategy," said Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. "This bill strengthens our abilities to respond to the most pressing international issues: thwarting Russian aggression and interference, increasing our abilities to plan and adapt to the effects of climate change, and working with our allies to contain the North Korean nuclear threat."

Key provisions included in the bill:

• Provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for servicemembers;
• Provides $11.5 billion for military family housing; and
• Prohibits any Defense funding to pay for the southern border wall.

Included in the bill are six amendments introduced or co-sponsored by Rep. Bera, including an amendment that requires the Department of Defense and Veterans' Affairs to explore best practices for providing financial literacy education to separating servicemembers and veterans. According to surveys, veterans are twice as likely to have debt carried over from month to month than civilians.

Rep. Bera said: "America's veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend our Country and we have a solemn duty to fulfill our promises to them. I am proud that my amendment was included in the NDAA, which supports financial literacy resources to our veterans to help with their financial decision making."

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact Travis Horne, Communications Director, at travis.horne@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5716.