2020 National Defense Authorization Act Also Includes Legislation To Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits, More
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the final version of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included four of U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s (FL-18) priorities to help those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.
“It takes a special kind of person to put on the uniform and dedicate their life to serving our country,” Rep. Mast said. “Our brothers and sisters in arms should be able to serve knowing that we have their backs on and off the battlefield.”
The following priorities of Rep. Mast were included in the NDAA:
- Section 704 – Requiring the Department of Defense to evaluate and track the exposure of U.S. servicemembers and veterans to open air burn pits and toxic airborne chemicals.
- Section 533 – Eliminating the statute of limitations under the military code for maiming and kidnapping of a child.
- Section 516 – Expanding service eligibility age waivers to reserve physicians or reserve chaplains beyond the age of 68 if they are deemed “necessary for the needs of the military department concerned.” Under current law, this program is available only to active-duty servicemembers.
- Section 641 – Expanding access of military rental property to Foreign Service Officers who temporarily lose housing allowance while on mandatory Home Leave Status.
The bill is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Donald Trump in the coming days.
###
