Congressman Crow Secures Key Priorities in This Year’s National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), Army combat veteran who serves as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, voted to pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA), which included key priorities he championed to bolster military readiness, improve the lives of US servicemembers and their families in Colorado, and build a stronger national defense at home and abroad. 

“As a former soldier, I experienced firsthand the profound impact of Washington's decisions on both my life and those of our trusted partners,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “In Colorado, we know the key to a stronger national defense begins at home. That’s why I worked hard to protect the 140th Wing at Buckley and bolster Colorado 6th’s aerospace and defense innovation workforce. I’ll continue to work to invest in servicemembers’ well being and keep Americans safe.”

This year’s National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (NDAA), includes the following Crow-led priorities:

Building a Strong National Defense with US Partners and Civilian Protection

• Civilian Harm Transparency in Partnerships Act (Co-lead - Rep. Sara Jacobs): Congressman Crow successfully included his Civilian Harm Transparency in Partnerships Act of 2023 with Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) in the NDAA, legislation that requires the Director of National Intelligence to notify Congress if US-provided intelligence used by a third party results in civilian casualties and strengthens reporting requirements related to incidents of civilian harm. As Co-Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, Crow secured measures included in last year’s defense bill that codified the protection and investigation of civilian harm into law. 
• Authorizing military construction projects in friendly foreign countries: Crow requested authorization for certain US military projects to be constructed in partner nations specifically for installation resilience. This authority extends to critical repairs and construction at US military facilities facing some of the most dire effects of climate change such as seaports. 

Strengthening the Future of Buckley Space Force Base

• USAF Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization:Following Congressman Crow’s consistent urgingfor the Pentagon to recapitalize the Colorado Air National Guard's aging F-16 fighter jets, the FY24 NDAA includes key elements of Crow’s legislation with Rep. Bacon (R-NE-02) that requires the Air Force to develop a comprehensive long-term plan on the USAF’s fighter force structure to ensure necessary planning to replace these aging jets and retain skilled flight crews is occuring. The bill also prohibits the Air Force from retiring any F-16C/D aircraft, like those flown by the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley SFB, until the strategy has been completed. This bipartisan effort will continue to support the operational readiness of America’s 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons spread across 22 states for homeland defense missions and emergency response. 
• Sustaining REPI: Increases funding by $20.2 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (REPI). REPI has created hundreds of acres of protected land, built community partnerships, and helped secure money for local projects benefiting Buckley SFB and the surrounding Aurora community. Since taking office, Crow has consistently secured program funding, which relies on Congressional support to maintain and advance key initiatives promoting the climate resilience of our military installations.  
• Corrosion Control Funding for Colorado’s Air National Guard: Increases funding by $12 million to prevent and mitigate the impacts of corrosion due to environmental factors to ensure peak performance and operational readiness of the Colorado Air National Guard’s aircraft at Buckley SFB. 
• Improving water and electric infrastructure at Buckley SFB:  
  • $9 million which will fund a project to make Buckley SFB’s electrical supply redundant; and  
  • $5.7 million to build a replacement water well on base

Elevating Colorado’s Space Leadership 

• Advancing High Mach Turbine Engine development: Allocates $5 million for additional investment in next-generation technological advancements focusing on high mach flight. Colorado is home to the fastest-growing aerospace workforce in the US with over 260 companies choosing to hub their operations in Colorado’s 6th District. 
• Boosting the NSSL: Provides full funding for the National Security Space Launch Program (NSSL) which contracts with commercial space launch providers to ensure reliable, timely, and cost-effective access to space for critical US missions. A robust aerospace and technology workforce in Crow's district continues to lead the way in securing NSSL contracts as we prepare America for competition and maintain the advantage in space amid evolving threats. 

The final conference report also includes:

• 5.2 percent pay raise for servicemembers
• Modifies basic allowance for housing (BAH) rates for junior enlisted members
• Expands parental leave for certain members of the reserve components
• Expands special hiring authority for military spouses 
• Expands servicemember eligibility to receive reimbursement for qualified spouse relicensing or business costs for certain servicemembers
• Major efforts to to improve investments in enlisted housing