WASHINGTON—Representative Scott Franklin (FL-15), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, secured several key provisions in H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This critical bill authorizes funding for the military for the coming fiscal year and ensures our American troops have the needed resources, training, and equipment to protect the U.S. and its interests.

“I’m honored to be part of a committee that understands the vital need to invest in the safety and security of our nation,” said Rep. Franklin. “America and our allies face global threats to our national security. This bill includes critical priorities that provide the resources needed to defend the homeland. I was pleased to secure key provisions that will enhance the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity, modernize the force, and fund the new KC-46 refueling tanker program. This funding will provide our troops with the best weapons, training, and equipment available as we work to counter threats from adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. The American people have entrusted Congress with a sacred duty to spend taxpayer money wisely and this bill achieves that goal. It also includes a pay raise for the military, as well as a one-year inflation offset for all ranks below E-5. I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers for their leadership as we work to address these threats in a bipartisan manner.”

 Specific provisions Rep. Franklin was able to help secure in the FY2023 NDAA include:

• Additional funding for airborne augmented reality, ensuring our pilots can train like they fight.
• Funding for cyber resiliency and cybersecurity policy in the Department of Defense.
• Support for the KC-46 Tanker Program.
• Resources for the Marine force-on-force modernization program.
• Funding for the Tactically Responsive Launch program.
• Directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to take a software first approach to advanced technology development.
• Requires the DoD provide independent testing and validation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, ensuring they execute their tasks in the way there were designed.
• Secured a provision supporting the continuation of the Live Virtual Constructive Training Program.
• Clarifies the role of health care providers and their accreditation required to perform their duties on military installations as contractors.
• Secured a provision expressing support for the Global Enhanced Geospatial Intelligence Delivery, which provides commercial GEOINT to the U.S. government
• Directs the DoD to continue its research and application of graphite foam enhancements in the Special Operations community.
• Secured a provision which would require the DoD to develop a plan to provide reservists with a DD214 or equivalent legal document before separation from the military.
• Ensures recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence were authorized.

The FY23 NDAA will go to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote. After passage, both the House and Senate versions of the bill will go to conference for reconciliation before being sent to the president for signing later this year.