Skip to main content

Rep. Carson Applauds Passage of NDAA, Which Includes His Amendment to Fight Pancreatic Cancer and the Duck Boat Safety Improvement Act

July 15, 2022

Washington, D.C. – Congressman André Carson (IN-07), applauded the House's passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023. The NDAA is a sweeping bill that each year authorizes our nation's annual spending and policies for America's armed forces. In light of the growing strategic challenge posed by the People's Republic of China – and in the aftermath of Vladimir Putin's unlawful invasion of Ukraine – the FY23 NDAA equips the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. military with the right resources and authorities to meet the greatest threats to the United States and our common defense. "I am incredibly pleased that the House has passed this year's NDAA, which is vital for the continued strength of our military and the well-being of our service members and military families." said Congressman Carson.

Among the many provisions in this legislation is a bipartisan amendment introduced by Rep. Carson aimed at fighting pancreatic cancer. The amendment increases pancreatic cancer research funding at the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) by $5 million in funding for an early detection initiative (EDI). Some of America's most important medical research is led by the Defense Department so these funds will help save lives. "I am also honored that this year's legislation builds on my ongoing efforts to fight pancreatic cancer" said Congressman Carson.

The NDAA also includes the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which contains legislation authored by Congressman Carson to make Duck Boats safer—the Duck Boat Safety Act. Duck Boats are a type of amphibious passenger vehicle popular with tourists; they can travel on roadways and on water. The legislation would enact recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board to make the vehicles safer.

"The NDAA also includes provisions to make Duck Boats safer and honor the memory of the Coleman family from Indianapolis, as well as all who have died in Duck Boat accidents." Congressman Carson reminded everyone that this major safety problem hit close to home when nine members of the Coleman family from Indianapolis were killed in a Duck Boat accident in 2018 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. Only Tia Coleman and her nephew, Donovan, survived. In total, 17 of the 31 passengers on the boat were killed. Since then, Tia Coleman has become an advocate for greater Duck Boat safety.

The NDAA also includes many other key provisions, including:

  • Authorizing support for a 4.6% pay increase for service members and civilian personnel, 2.4% inflation bonuses for service members earning less than $45,000 annually and a $15/hour wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts.
  • Supports HBCUs and other minority institutions in allocating over $111 million for research activities at HBCUs and establishes a pilot program to increase research capacity at minority serving institutions.
  • Spousal change of service station reimbursement: Authorizes financial reimbursement for moving expenses for spouses with home businesses.
  • Extends the authorization of the Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) program, the deadline for those who qualify to apply for SIVs, and allows those Afghans wounded during their service to the U.S. government to apply for the SIV program even if they have not met the one-year minimum employment threshold. This provision reaffirms the commitment to Afghan citizens who, at great personal risk, supported U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, the NDAA did not include Congressman Carson's provisions requiring an investigation into the death of American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The amendment submitted for the NDAA and built upon Carson's earlier efforts to get to the truth of what happened to Shireen Abu Akleh when he led 58 other Members of Congress in writing to the State Department and the FBI in May. "The killing of American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, was not only a tragedy; it was an affront to a free press, journalists around the world, and to all Americans. I was proud to lead the NDAA Amendment calling for an open, transparent, investigation to be led by her home country, the United States and am disappointed that this legislation was not included in the NDAA" said Congressman Carson. "I will continue to pursue additional legislative options to investigate her death."

Congressman concluded "Now that the House has passed the NDAA which provides legislation for our national security, safety, and well-being at home and around the world, including my legislation for pancreatic cancer research and Duck Boat safety recommendations, I urge the Senate to also vote in favor of this legislation and quickly get this signed into law by the president."