Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan announced today that eighteen of his amendments were included in the House-passed FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“These eighteen amendments seek to address the health, safety and security of our active-duty troops and their families as well as improve military readiness and ensure we remain the world’s preeminent fighting force,” said Congressman Buchanan. “I’m humbled to see so many of my proposals pass the House this week with broad bipartisan support and am committed to seeing these enacted into law.”

The eighteen Buchanan provisions include:

- Directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to promptly notify the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about individuals transitioning from active-duty service to civilian life with an opioid use disorder to prevent opioid prescriptions.

- Instructing the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on expanding and improving the Future Soldier Preparatory Course.

- Mandating a study on establishing a mentoring program for Armed Forces members interested in entrepreneurship after active-duty service.

- Calling on the DOD to continue supporting Israel's Iron Dome system against Hamas attacks.

- Developing a strategy and education campaign within the DOD to combat obesity in the military.

- Stating that U.S. funds should not exceed housing costs for illegal immigrants over those for military families.

- Creating a strategy for transitioning military aviation mechanics to commercial aviation roles post-service.

- Requiring a report on constructing a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery for servicemembers who died during the Afghanistan withdrawal.

- Reporting on China's use of AI in military applications and its threat to U.S. national security.

- Submitting a report on optimizing human weapon systems within the Army.

- Assessing benefits and feasibility of training programs for operating Assault Amphibious Vehicles in the Navy.

- Conducting a study on accessibility of mental health care services for active-duty members.

- Reporting on lost military technology during Afghanistan withdrawal.

- Maintaining prescription drop boxes on all military bases for safe disposal of unused drugs, including opioids.

- Increasing access to telehealth services through a study by the Defense Health Agency Director, focusing on mental health outcomes.

- Raising Family Separation Allowance from $250 to $400 per month as authorized by FY24 NDAA.

- Examining ways unmanned vehicles can reduce overall operating costs through Government Accountability Office assessment.

- Committing support to Philippine defense against Chinese expansion in Indo-Pacific.

Last year, Buchanan had his 32nd and 33rd bills, the Rachel Booth Act and DRIVE SAFE Act, signed into law as part of FY24 NDAA. He has seen initiatives signed into law by Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden.

Buchanan has been advocating for reforming training procedures and improving emergency response capabilities following an incident involving his constituent Army Specialist Panipinto, who died during a road-test accident in South Korea in 2019.