Congress Passes National Defense Authorization Act
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Congress recently cleared for President Joe Biden’s desk its annual defense policy bill, which includes trucking-centric provisions.
This version of the National Defense Authorization Act would authorize 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 bill would seek 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 bill’s 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.”
Gilroy
Tucked in the bill 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.
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 the ATA Moving and Storage Conference. “We are committed to working together with Congress and DOD to resolve challenges associated with the GHC.”
The NDAA is among Congress’ annual must-pass measures and has a long tradition of being enacted no matter the political climate.
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,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.) on 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.”
Biden is expected to enact the bill into law.
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