Levin Amendments Included in House-Passed National Defense Authorization Act Deliver for California’s 49th District
Washington, D.C. – Last week, several amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that were led by U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) passed the House. The amendments deliver on key priorities for California veterans, servicemembers, and research institutions.
The Levin-led amendments include:
- An amendment to require the VA to assess the effectiveness of the Transition Assistance Program and study changes to the program in coordination with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The Transition Assistance Program is responsible for helping veterans prepare for civilian life.
- An amendment to provide additional funding for the Naval University Research Initiative. The Naval University Research Initiative works with universities like UC San Diego on defense research.
- An amendment to require a comprehensive report from the Secretary of Defense on the DoD’s “Combating Trafficking in Persons Initiative.” The last time this Initiative was reviewed, in 2014, serious flaws with the implementation and effectiveness of the program were discovered.
“I was proud to vote for the National Defense Authorization Act, including several amendments I led that will help veterans and research institutions in the Southern California communities I represent,” said Representative Levin. “These amendments will improve veterans’ transition to civilian life, support critical national security research, and crack down on labor trafficking among military contractors. I will continue to fight for my constituents’ priorities throughout the appropriations process.”
Last month, several amendments led by Levin were included in appropriations legislation passed by the House. Those amendments help address the affordable housing crisis and veteran homelessness, pollution in the Tijuana River Valley, and more.
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