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WASHINGTON – Today, Democrats in the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The partisan bill authorizes $733 billion in funding for America’s military and defense initiatives, $17 billion less than the Senate’s version of the bill which passed 86-8 and what the president requested. In addition to cutting the topline for authorized spending, the bill undermines national security by restricting the ability to reprogram funds to counter drug trafficking and build or maintain physical barriers along the U.S. Southern border.

Rep. Foxx stated, “While I am thankful that the House Armed Services Committee included my bill to increase transparency, efficiency and competition in DOD Procurement in the base text of the NDAA, the overall bill reflects a glaring departure from the bipartisan process that has provided for our country’s national defense. As we face increased security threats from adversaries like China and Russia, our defense modernization and military readiness are critical. Furthermore, with the immigration crisis troops are facing on our Southern border, it is no time to be taking backwards steps in authorizing national security initiatives. I look forward to supporting the Conference Report to the NDAA that will robustly support our troops and national security rather than partisan politics.”

H.R. 3313, the Defense Maintenance Data Transparency Act introduced by Rep. Foxx passed in House of Representatives today as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to clearly define ambiguous terms in the U.S. Code and DOD’s acquisition regulations that presently prevent DOD from accessing the data it needs to promote greater competition from small businesses in DOD’s procurement of maintenance services. It would also direct DOD to develop resources that would aid acquisition personnel in identifying the data necessary to facilitate market competitiveness.

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U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is Republican Leader of the House Committee on Education and Labor.