Bennet Statement on Passage of Defense Authorization Bill

Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the following statement following Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019:

“The bill supports critical missions in Colorado, including the National Space Defense Center, and makes important investments in Fort Carson, Schriever Air Force Base, and the Air Force Academy,” Bennet said. “By bolstering innovation in space, cyber, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, the bill will support our military and better prepare us for future threats. The bill also continues our efforts to protect the health and safety of Coloradans by addressing water contamination near military bases.”

The NDAA authorizes $716 billion in defense funding, including a 2.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers. The bill includes funding to continue a study, established last year with Bennet’s support, on the health effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that have contaminated drinking water sources near military bases across the nation. It also includes funding for environmental restoration and remediation, as well as funding for the development of a fire fighting alternative. The bill also has funding for Schriever Air Force Base and Fort Carson, and authorizes the expansion of the cyber center at the Air Force Academy.