U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has announced the successful inclusion yesterday of several provisions he advanced in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. These provisions span a range of areas, including PFAS clean-up efforts, increased federal funding for various military installations, and improvements in safety and accountability regarding dangerous pathogens.
Despite significant victories, House Republicans did not include a Casey-led bill aimed at providing insight into the risks to national security when Chinese companies have access to U.S. military and national security technology.
As part of the NDAA, Senator Casey advocated for over $190 million in federal funding across 11 projects for vital capabilities at various Pennsylvania military installations. These funds will support a range of construction projects, from vehicle maintenance to missile production, solar energy production, and modernization efforts.
In his ongoing effort to address the toxic effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, Senator Casey secured the inclusion of provisions advancing remediation of toxic exposure to PFAS in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Senator Casey also ensured a provision requiring the Department of Defense to notify Congress within 45 days of any theft, loss, or release of a biological select agent posing a threat to public safety. This requirement will enhance safety and accountability in handling dangerous pathogens.
The NDAA also includes a provision requiring the Department of Defense to expand its competitive care pilot program, which fosters competition across TRICARE health care providers. The expansion will increase the number of locations from two to five.
In response to fentanyl trafficking, Senator Casey supported prioritizing this threat within the Intelligence Community, including tracking the flow of precursor chemicals from China.
Regarding the People’s Republic of China, the FY24 Intelligence Authorization Act tasks the Intelligence Community with addressing competition head-on. This includes tracking how China’s economic and technological advancements pose a national security threat, sharing actionable intelligence on foreign adversary threats, and assessing the threats posed by Chinese-manufactured cranes used at U.S. ports of entry to U.S. economic security.
Senator Bob Casey continues to advocate for comprehensive measures to safeguard national security, support military installations, and protect public health. The recent adoption of his provisions in the NDAA underscores his commitment to these goals.
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