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Congressman Matt Gaetz Secures $124 million for Northwest Florida Military Construction in 2020 NDAA

December 13, 2019

Washington, D.C. — As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week. Congressman Gaetz secured numerous provisions for Florida's First Congressional district in the NDAA, including $124 million in military construction and also an amendment posthumously promoting Lt. Colonel Dick Cole of the Doolittle Raiders to Colonel.

Following final passage of the NDAA, $124 million will be authorized to Special Operations military construction in the First Congressional District. This authorization will enhance development projects at both Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.

Active duty military members and military members' families will also benefit from provisions secured in the NDAA. Servicemembers will be receiving a 3.1% pay raise, the largest raise in compensation in over two decades. Additionally, a benefit offset known as the "widow's tax" was repealed in this year's version. Congressman Gaetz has called for a repeal of the "widow's tax" since his election to Congress, and its repeal allows families of fallen servicemembers to receive full benefits from both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

In response to the House's passage of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, Congressman Gaetz issued the following statement:

"Northwest Florida's dynamic military mission is strengthened with the passage of this year's National Defense Authorization Act. Our military members and families constitute the heartbeat of Northwest Florida, and this bill strengthens our military's initiatives and hardens our readiness. I look forward to the Senate's passage of the National Defense Authorization Act and thank President Trump and his administration for their dedication to our military readiness in Florida's First District," Congressman Matt Gaetz said.

Lt. General Bradley Heithold (retired USAF) of Northwest Florida further praised the NDAA's passage and Congressman Gaetz's efforts, saying:

"Another resounding military construction win secured by our Congressman Gaetz! Rep. Gaetz consistently comes through in successfully advocating for the AFSOC mission in Northwest Florida."

Following Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, the bill will be sent to the President's desk for his signature.