Reschenthaler Supports Pay Increase For Our Nation’s Troops, Votes to Authorize Defense Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) supported the Conference Report to S. 1790, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). This bipartisan bill authorizes $738 billion in funding for our nation's military and provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for our troops, the largest increase in a decade. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 377 to 48 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
"As a former Navy JAG, I am deeply committed to supporting the military men and women who make sacrifices every day to protect our freedoms at home and abroad," said Reschenthaler. "This bill will provide American troops with the resources they need to defend our country from global threats, while also ensuring they are able to take care of their families. I am particularly proud the FY20 NDAA includes provisions I championed that will help servicemembers who have been the victims of medical malpractice and better protect sensitive defense research from Russia and China. I will continue to prioritize the needs of our troops and the security of our nation."
The FY20 NDAA Conference Report provides the resources necessary to continue rebuilding readiness, modernize nuclear capabilities, develop emerging technologies and weapons, enhance missile defense, and confront our adversaries. The legislation also includes two priorities of the Trump Administration, the establishment of the Space Force and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for our troops.
Additionally, the bill includes a provision similar to legislation Reschenthaler championed that allows servicemembers to bring medical malpractice claims against the U.S. government for health care they received at a Department of Defense (DOD) facility. Currently, members of our military are not able to bring claims against DOD medical providers after being misdiagnosed, mistreated, or subjected to botched surgeries, even though almost all other Americans have that right.
Reschenthaler also led an effort to protect sensitive defense research from intellectual property theft by providing training and resources to promote security and limit undue influence on institutions and personnel. As countries such as China and Russia continue stealing our intellectual property, it is critical we equip our universities with necessary training to deter these threats.