Manatee Review

Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that eight of his proposals have been incorporated into the final version of this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The U.S. House is expected to consider the bill this week.

“These proposals will enhance military readiness, strengthen our alliances and honor the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces,” said Buchanan. “This legislation reflects our unwavering commitment to America’s servicemembers and their families. I’m very pleased to see so many of my proposals included in this bill and look forward to them being signed into law.”

The eight amendments from Buchanan in the FY25 NDAA include several key initiatives:

One amendment instructs the Secretary of Defense to explore ways to expand and improve the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which offers academic and fitness coaching for prospective recruits. This initiative aims to address recruitment shortfalls and boost military readiness.

The Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act (H.R. 10301) directs the Army to resume horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery. This legislation was introduced by Buchanan last week to ensure proper burial honors for fallen servicemembers.

Another mandate requires the Secretary of the Navy to provide a Congressional briefing on improvements made in training and safety programs for operating Assault Amphibious Vehicles and Amphibious Combat Vehicles.

Additionally, there is a provision directing the Secretary of Defense to brief Congressional committees on plans for constructing a memorial commemorating the 13 servicemembers who died during the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Buchanan's amendments also include a requirement for a briefing on efforts related to combating obesity within the military by March 1, 2025.

Further amendments call on strengthening U.S. defense alliances in the Indo-Pacific region against Chinese exploitation, assessing access to mental health care for active-duty servicemembers, and reviewing family separation allowances for military families.

Previously, Buchanan has seen success with his legislative initiatives being signed into law under different administrations. He has been an advocate for reforming training procedures following an incident involving Army Specialist Panipinto, who died during a road-test accident in South Korea in 2019.