CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS ADDS KEY PROVISIONS TO NDAA LEADING UP TO COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION OF BILL

Source:  Congresswoman Susan Davis

June 14, 2019 (Washington D.C.) - As the House Armed Services Committee considers the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) throughout the day today, Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53) added key measures to the base bill. As a senior member of the committee, Davis influences policy changes and crafts key provisions each year in the bill.

“Each year, the NDAA provides an opportunity to improve on policies of national security and care for our servicemembers and their families,” said Davis. “I’m always proud to play a role in building a military with the resources and tools to keep the American people safe while honoring the sacrifice our personnel and their families make on our behalf every day.”

The following provisions were included by Davis in the NDAA prior to the Committee markup:

Improvements to Child Care for Members of the Armed Forces - Authorizes financial assistance to civilian child care providers who care for the children of survivors of members who die in the line of duty and to expand direct hiring authority for child care providers.

Comprehensive Policy for Provision of Mental Health Care to Members of the Armed Forces - Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a comprehensive policy of mental health care to members of the Armed Forces.

Tijuana Sewage Runoff Impact to Readiness - In last year’s NDAA, Davis added language directing the Navy to look at the national security impact of sewage runoff for Navy SEAL training at the future site for a SEAL training facility. When scheduled training corresponds with sewage spills or discharges, military personnel may be exposed to untreated sewage with consequences to their health. In a follow up to the Navy’s written report, Davis included language directing the Navy  to brief the House Armed Services Committee on readiness impacts of Tijuana sewage runoff in waters adjacent to military installations.

Protecting the Rights of Sexual Assault Survivors - Davis included language to the goal of expanding the rights of military sexual assault survivors, which directs theSecretary of Defense to issue guidance to ensure that sexual assault victims' preference for prosecution jurisdiction is recorded.

Preventing Witness Tampering in Military Judicial Proceedings - To ensure a more equitable and fair judicial proceedings in the  military justice system, Davis included a provision to prohibit convening authorities and commanding officers from interfering with access and influencing witnesses.

Extension and Expansion of Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Davis included a section to extend the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault (DAC-IPAD) for an additional fiveyears andexpands the committee’s role to look at military justice reforms.

Expansion of Special Victims' Counsel for Victims of Sex-Related or Domestic Violence Offenses - The Special Victims' Counsel program will cover eligible domestic violence victims and require a report to the Committee on how the military services are meeting Special Victims' Counsel program requirements.

Notification of the Issuance of a Military Protective Order to Civilian Law Enforcement - Unit commanders must notify civilian authorities of the issuance of a military protective order against a member of the Armed Forces and would require unit commanders to notify a receiving unit of the issuance of a military protective order in the event a member is transferred to another unit.

Guidelines on Sentences for Offenses Committed under the Uniform Code of Military Justice - The Secretary of Defense must establish non-binding sentencing guidelines for offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, taking into account sentencing data collected by the Military Justice Review Panel.

Support for Women in the Afghanistan Security Forces Davis included a provision to set a goal of using $45.5 million to support the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to promote the recruitment, training, integration, and retention of Afghan women into the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

This represents a key step to assure that peace and security processes do not overlook the inclusion of women, a critical strategy that research has shown reduces conflict. The NDAA sets a goal of using $45.5 million to support the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan to promote the recruitment, training, integration, and retention of Afghan women into the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

During consideration of the NDAA, Davis will build on these successes by offering a series of amendments.

Congresswoman Davis represents the 53^rd Congressional District, which includes central San Diego, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and parts of El Cajon and Chula Vista. Davis serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor, where she is Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee. She is also a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Congresswoman Davis represents the 53^rd Congressional District, which includes central San Diego, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and parts of El Cajon and Chula Vista. Davis serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor, where she is Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee. She is also a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.