Manatee Review

Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that eight of his proposals have been approved by the U.S. House as part of the final version of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The U.S. House is expected to review this legislation later 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:

- An amendment instructing 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 bolster military readiness.

- The Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act (H.R. 10301), which directs the Army to resume horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery. Buchanan introduced this legislation last week to honor fallen servicemembers with a proper burial.

- A mandate requiring the Secretary of the Navy to provide a Congressional briefing on actions taken to improve training and safety programs for operating Assault Amphibious Vehicles and Amphibious Combat Vehicles.

- A provision directing the Secretary of Defense to brief Congressional committees on plans and strategies for constructing a memorial commemorating the 13 servicemembers who died during the Afghanistan withdrawal.

- A requirement for a briefing from the Secretary of Defense before March 1, 2025, on current efforts related to combating obesity within the military.

- An amendment urging the Department of Defense (DOD) to strengthen U.S. defense alliances in the Indo-Pacific region against Chinese exploitation.

- A requirement for a Congressional briefing on whether active-duty servicemembers have adequate access to mental health care providers and services.

- A provision urging a review of family separation allowances by the Secretary of Defense to determine adequacy for meeting military families' needs.

Last year, Buchanan saw his 32nd and 33rd bills, namely, the Rachel Booth Act and DRIVE SAFE Act, signed into law as part of FY24 NDAA. Over his career, he has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama, thirteen by President Trump, and ten legislative proposals signed into law by President Biden so far.

Buchanan has been an advocate in Congress for reforming training procedures following an incident involving his constituent Army Specialist Panipinto who died when an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle overturned during a road test in South Korea in 2019.