Shaheen Priorities Included in National Defense Bill Heading to President Obama's Desk

Press Release

Today, the Senate passed the bipartisan 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), critical legislation to authorize funding for U.S. national security priorities, and sent the bill to President Obama for his signature. The bill contains a number of provisions championed by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), including funding to develop the KC-46A aircraft, which is scheduled to be based at Pease Air National Guard Base, as well as the infrastructure necessary to support the tanker's mission. The legislation also includes Shaheen's provisions to authorize infrastructure improvements at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Due in part to Senator Shaheen's opposition in committee, this bill blocks a new round of Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC), which could have threatened jobs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Senator Shaheen is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee that authored the legislation. The NDAA cleared the House with broad, bipartisan support last week.

"This bill will serve as a blueprint for our nation's security strategy for the coming year and I'm happy to say that New Hampshire plays a key role in that strategy," said Senator Shaheen. "This legislation preserves and strengthens New Hampshire's critical role in our nation's defense and security by providing support for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Pease Air National Guard Base, as well as the workers, service members and neighboring communities. The bill also enhances programs that help small businesses participate in research and development, keeping the U.S. competitive and engaging small businesses in innovations vital to our nation's security."

The bill authorizes a waiver of reduced reimbursements for shipyard workers on long-term temporary duty. This waiver impacts shipyard workers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard who could have to pay expenses out-of-pocket while traveling and could discourage workers from volunteering for long-term assignments.

"Portsmouth Naval Shipyard workers are in demand for submarine modernization projects around the country," said Senator Shaheen. "There shouldn't be a disincentive for shipyard workers to lend their specialized skills on long-term assignments. I'm pleased that the bill passed today includes my request to put this reimbursement reduction on hold."

The bicameral legislation also includes additional visas for Afghan interpreters and other staff who supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and are under threat because of their service. The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which Senator Shaheen championed alongside Senator John McCain (R-AZ), will be reauthorized for four years; the bill provides 1,500 SIVs for interpreters and staff.

"It is no exaggeration to say that this is a matter of life and death as Afghans who served the U.S. mission continue to be systematically hunted down by the Taliban," said Senator Shaheen. "I'm very relieved that additional visas will be made available in this legislation. However, the number of visas needed for those in danger far surpasses what's provided in this bill. The United States promised to protect these Afghans and I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure Congress doesn't renege on that promise."

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