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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after voting to pass the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“This year’s NDAA takes significant steps to keep our nation competitive, secure, and strong by investing in our nation’s servicemembers, supporting advancements in innovation and technology, and strengthening critical alliances. This bill will make critical improvements to our national security while investing in state-of-the-art technology to protect against future threats. Specifically, the NDAA includes a much-earned 4.6% pay raise for servicemembers and civilians with an additional 2.4% bonus for those earning less than $45,000 a year to help with rising costs. It expands access to mental health care services so more of our nation’s servicemembers and their families can get the care they need. The bill will also support continued efforts to address the PFAS contamination crisis at military installations across the country, including limiting its use to protect servicemembers and speeding up the clean-up of contaminated sites. I’m particularly thankful my amendments to confront discrimination in the military, protect the health of servicemembers, and address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon were included.”

The FY 2023 NDAA included the following amendments led by Rep. Dingell:

1. Requiring a report within 90 days of enactment that contains an evaluation of the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, as well as the impact of the deficit of wheat imports to the country due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

1. Requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to post-market surveillance of implantable medical devices. 

1. Requiring the Assistant Inspector General for Diversity and Inclusion of the Department of Defense to conduct an investigation into discrimination faced by Middle East and North African (MENA) individuals in the military and submit a report to the Committee on Armed Services.