Congressman Carson’s Provisions Included in the National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman André Carson (IN-07) today released a list of provisions he successfully included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual federal legislation that authorizes spending and sets policy for the for United States military and Department of Defense. The NDAA will be considered by the full House during the week of May 19.

Carson worked closely with Democrats and Republicans, including Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02), to make sure the Hoosier needs and concerns are addressed in the legislation.

"It's an honor to serve on this committee and to have a voice in the bipartisan process of equipping, training and supporting our men and women in uniform," Carson said. "I remain committed to promoting Indiana's defense jobs and promoting our unique role in our national security."

CONGRESSMAN CARSON'S AMENDMENTS ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

• Determining the effect of overseas conflict on American defense contractors. Congressman Carson mandated an assessment of how unrest abroad in places such as Libya, Turkey and Egypt has affected the availability of foreign military sales and direct commercial sales. Defense officials often cite these sales as a way for defense companies to maintainproduction and avoid job losses while facing sequestration cuts, yet many companies are unable to access them.
• Analyzing the long-term effects of sequestration. Congressman Carson mandated an assessment of the long-term effects of sequestration on high-risk defense sectors. Reduced demand for orders of certain industrial components and cancellation of major defense programs may force shutdowns or a supply chain shortage, which costs jobs and impacts our ability to field important systems.
• Updating the public on plans to modernize tactical generators. Congressman Carson requested that the Department of Defense inform the HASC on its plan to modernize and purchase new tactical generators. Current generators are top consumers of diesel fuel in combat, at a cost of billions of dollars. Congressional oversight is needed to ensure new generators are more fuel efficient and reliable, which reduces costs and the need for dangerous transportation of fuel in theater.
• Assessing our laboratory research and testing capabilities. This amendment ispart of the larger acquisition reform effort, focused on streamlining processes and reducing costs. It eliminates unnecessary and burdensome requirements from the military acquisition process.

In addition to the amendments included last night, Carson authored a number of provisions that were included in the bill, including language that would prevent the Department of Defense from transferring any function from the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) without prior certification to Congress. DFAS has more than 3,800 employees in Indianapolis. He also helped to secure significant funding for local defense contractors, including Rolls-Royce and Allison Transmission.

Carson also included the text of two bills he authored, H.R. 1463, the Military Suicide Reduction Act, and H.R. 1464, the Military Mental Health Empowerment Act. These bills make sure we are providing appropriate mental health screenings and treatment for members of the military.