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July 12, 2019 – Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew voted to pass H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which supports our troops and builds a strong national defense by providing the most robust funding to the military in history and increasing pay and benefits for our brave men and women in uniform. Rep. Van Drew also voted on H.R. 1327, the “Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alverez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act,” which takes long-overdue action to provide the financial security and support that 9/11 first responders, survivors and families deserve.

“Our heroes in the armed forces and our first responders are all essential to the freedom and safety of our great nation. I am proud to have voted to support our troops and our 9/11 heroes,” said Congressman Van Drew. 

H.R. 2500 underpins a smart defense posture with a tough stance on Russia and continued collaboration with allies, eliminates wasteful spending, and promotes a more inclusive military. It puts our men and women in uniform first, and builds strong national defense by authorizing:

• The most robust defense budget in history at $733 billion

• Funding for a 3.1% military pay raise;

• $11.5 billion for military construction and family housing;

• Additional funds to clean up chemicals in drinking water on/near military bases;

• Family and medical leave for employees at the FAA Tech Center and Fairton Correctional Facility;

• Requires strategies to counter Russian election interference efforts in 2020;

• Requires the DoD to plan for and respond to the impacts of climate change.

H.R. 1327 is a piece of legislation that extends the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) until the year 2092, similar to the timeline of the World Trade Center Health Program and reverses all cuts in compensation for both current and future claims.   

“As Members of Congress, it is our solemn duty to ensure that the men and women who risked all in our nation’s hour of need receive the care and resources they need, now and into the future,” continued Rep. Van Drew.  “I am proud to join my colleagues to pass this permanent authorization and reaffirm our nation’s obligation to never forget as we honor the service and sacrifice of our 9/11 heroes and their families.”