WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressman Gonzales' provisions to establish a National Digital Reserve Corps and increase funding for the Family Separation Allowance (FSA) to $400 from $250 per month were included in the final passage of the bill.
Congressman Gonzales also secured $74 million for a new rail yard at Fort Bliss, $1o.8 million for an F-16 Mission Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), and $158 million for JBSA-Lackland. Additionally, the FY24 NDAA includes key initiatives that will deter Chinese Communist Party (CCP) espionage and malign influence, support Taiwan, Ukraine, and Pacific allies, enhance Congressional oversight of Department of Defense (DOD) programs, and provide a 5.2 percent pay increase for servicemembers.
“As a 20-year Navy veteran, emboldening our nation with strong defense capabilities and taking care of the men and women in our military is a key priority for me. From El Paso to San Antonio, servicemembers across South and West Texas will be better off because of this bill. Through my work on the House Appropriations Committee, I secured $232 million combined for JBSA and Fort Bliss. The passage of a well-crafted, strong NDAA is personal for me, and the servicemembers that put on the uniform each day to serve our great nation.
"I am also very proud that I was able to secure an increase in the Family Separation Allowance, which gives military families who cannot serve together extra breathing room to cover expenses associated with the trials of serving apart. There has not been an increase in the FSA since 2004. With the House passage of the NDAA, servicemembers eligible for this funding are one step closer to getting needed relief.
“Finally, I served as a Cryptologist in the Navy—I know firsthand how vital a strong digital and cybersecurity force is to our national security. That’s exactly why I worked to secure a provision in the NDAA to establish a National Digital Reserve Corps. This amendment allows for the formation of a civilian cyber reserve to address the shortage of cyber and technical experts in the federal government workforce and tackle critical vulnerabilities within our nation’s IT and digital infrastructure. It also gives Americans who want to serve our country outside of the military the opportunity to play a critical role in bolstering our nation’s cybersecurity. As our foreign adversaries continue to strengthen their offensive cyber capabilities, the National Digital Reserve Corps will keep the United States ahead of the curve,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
Background
Congressman Gonzales’ amendment to establish a National Digital Reserve Corps would allow civilians to sign-up for a three-year period in which they would work for the federal government to take on digital and cybersecurity projects, digital education and training, data triage, acquisition assistance, and development of technical solutions. Reservists would be compensated and have the opportunity to obtain and maintain security clearances, complete certifications, and receive training and education to better equip them to meet the federal government’s cybersecurity and digital needs.
The Family Separation Allowance is an additional compensation given to servicemembers whose family members cannot live with or near them at their permanent duty station. This benefit aids servicemembers and their families with the added costs that stem from living in separate locations. Currently, the Family Separation Allowance is capped at $250 per month. Through Congressman Gonzales’ provision, eligible servicemembers will receive a $150 increase per month totaling $400.
TX-23 Provisions Secured by Congressman Gonzales in the FY24 NDAA:
- Provides $74 million for the Fort Bliss rail yard
- Provides $10.8 million for an F-16 Mission Training Center at JBSA
$158 million for JBSA-Lackland
- Provides $48 million for a new Cyber Operations Center at JBSA-Lackland
- Provides $90 million for renovations to the Chapel for America’s Airmen at JBSA-Lackland
- Provides $20 million to complete construction of a Child Development Center at JBSA-Lackland
For a full list of priorities in the NDAA Congressman Gonzales voted to advance, click here.
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