CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA SECURES KEY WINS IN FY23 NDAA, VOTES TO ADVANCE ANNUAL DEFENSE BILL

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) helped secure key amendments and provisions in H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), then voted to pass the annual defense bill out of the House Armed Services Committee.

This year's NDAA authorizes $131.3 billion in research and development across the national security enterprise alongside a 4.6% pay raise for service members. Congresswoman Garcia also championed several amendments and provisions in the legislation during debate. The bill was passed by a bipartisan vote of 57-1.

"I'm proud to see the FY23 NDAA passed out of the House Armed Services Committee as it will greatly support our brave service members," said Congresswoman Garcia. "I fought to secure provisions on a wide range of essential priorities ranging from reinforcing cyber security efforts, protections for domestic violence survivors, diversity and inclusion efforts, and much more. I look forward to the Senate moving this bill forward so that it swiftly reaches President Biden's desk."

Congresswoman Garcia secured several amendments in the NDAA, including provisions to:

• address and eliminate sexual violence in the U.S. military
• provide no-cost birth control for service members
• explore the potential of the Space Force and space careers
• study the source of the military's U.S. crude oil usage
• increase diversity in the military by exploring Reserve Officer Training Corps Programs at Hispanic serving institutions

NDAA, or H.R. 7900, is an annual piece of legislation that sets the country's defense spending budget for the following year. It authorizes investments for the Department of Defense, along with defense activities in other federal agencies and departments.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees.