WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) supported the Senate-passed Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill invests in our military and provides $750 billion in critical funding to ensure servicemembers have the tools and resources they need to protect national security. The Senate bill makes significant investments in research and development for key defense technologies that will help the U.S. maintain its competitive advantage. It invests in people by including a 3.1 percent pay increase, and it continues to build readiness across the services. 

“Supporting our defense is a priority as we face evolving threats to our national security. This bill supports our men and women in uniform and strengthens our military forces so we can deter conflict or be well prepared for it if deterrence fails now or in the future. I’m pleased my colleagues understood the importance of incorporating my provisions that accommodate the needs of the Air Force Reserve and our nation’s veterans,” Boozman said.   

The Senate-passed NDAA includes the following Boozman-authored provisions:

Expands Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery – Transfers nearly 141 acres of land at Camp Robinson to the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. This provision is based on a bill introduced by Boozman and members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation that would secure land for expansion of burial space for veterans. 

Grows Arlington National Cemetery – The nation’s most sacred shrine, Arlington National Cemetery, is reaching its burial capacity. Cemetery officials have worked diligently to expand in order to preserve burials into the future. This provision, which authorizes a land exchange between the U.S. Army and the National Park Service, will allow more burial space for veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. The exchange will also enable an improvement to the entrance of the cemetery. 

Broadens Wounded Warriors Adaptive Sports Programs – Military Services Adaptive Sports Programs are important rehabilitation tools. This provision will allow veterans who were enrolled in their respective service’s Wounded Warrior Program prior to their date of separation to continue rehabilitative services for one year. This would permit the Department of Defense appropriated funds to cover travel, lodging and per diem for veterans for one year from date of separation to continue or complete the member’s physical, psychological and social rehabilitation.   
Increases Number of Air Force Reservists Serving on Full-Time Reserve – This provision provides an authorization for additional full-time Reservists, one of the top priorities for the Air Force Reserve.