Biden Enacts National Defense Authorization Act
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President Joe Biden recently signed into law Congress’ annual defense policy bill, which includes trucking-centric provisions.
The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes nearly $900 billion for operations and programs at the Pentagon. Its provisions cover transportation, climate and energy policies for the national military apparatus. Specific to trucking policy, the law seeks to further facilitate secured access to military bases, improve supply chain connectivity and increase oversight of a high-profile moving program.
“All of these wins for trucking will benefit motor carriers as well as our national security,” Ed Gilroy, American Trucking Associations’ chief advocacy and public affairs officer, said shortly after the NDAA’s congressional approval Dec. 18. “These successes are particularly noteworthy during a deeply divided Congress and were made possible due to our commitment to bipartisanship and deep relationships on both sides of the aisle.”
Tucked in the law is a provision to direct the commander at the U.S. Transportation Command to brief Congress within a year on the performance of the Global Household Goods contract. The briefing must detail feedback from service members about its implementation as well as updates about its progression.
Gilroy
According to Transcom, the GHC is meant to improve the relocation process for military personnel and their families. Trucking industry stakeholders have been closely monitoring the program.
“The moving industry is proud to provide members of the armed forces and their families with the highest level of service and support during their relocations,” said Dan Hilton, executive director of ATA’s Moving and Storage Conference. “We are committed to working together with Congress and DOD to resolve challenges associated with the GHC.”
The NDAA has a long tradition of being enacted no matter the political climate. In a statement accompanying the bill’s enactment Dec. 23, Biden said it “provides vital benefits for military personnel and their families, and includes critical authorities to support our country’s national defense, foreign affairs and homeland security.”
Reed
“I am proud that the Senate has voted by a wide, bipartisan margin to pass the NDAA. This is a practical bill that is laser-focused on the threats we face,” Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.), a co-lead sponsor, said Dec. 18. “Recognizing the urgent challenge China poses, this NDAA fully invests in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and our regional networks, including AUKUS, the Quad and our multilateral partnerships with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan. Among other cutting-edge technologies, the bill authorizes increased funding for our naval vessels, submarines, aircraft, combat vehicles, missile defenses and UAS platforms to deter adversaries like Russia, Iran and North Korea.”
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, before the bill’s approval in that chamber, noted, “Providing for our service members is the most important job that Congress has. Every single man and woman who serves in our armed forces made the selfless decision to serve and protect our nation. It is vital that we ensure that our service members and their families are taken care of. I am immensely proud of the bipartisan work accomplished by the House Armed Services Committee to improve the quality of life for our service members and their families.”
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