Heinrich Secures Key Advancements For New Mexico In Annual Defense Bill

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the conference committee that negotiated the final bill, voted for the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Senator Heinrich secured key provisions in the legislation to benefit New Mexico's men and women in uniform, military installations, national laboratories, and job creation throughout the state.

The NDAA sets spending levels and policies for fiscal year 2017. NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons programs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as the Department of Energy's environmental cleanup programs including WIPP.

"I am proud to have helped author this year's annual defense bill that provides important funding and resources to help expand missions in New Mexico," said Senator Heinrich. "The defense bill provides funds to welcome the new F-16s and personnel coming to Holloman, prepares for the future fleet of Combat Rescue Helicopters coming to Kirtland, and bolsters research and development at New Mexico's National Labs and private sector. I am also proud to have provided new authorities to make it easier for our defense labs and White Sands Missile Range to hire college graduates from New Mexico's outstanding universities. These provisions, among many others, will benefit our economy and further New Mexico's strong position as a leader in national security."

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