National Defense Authorization Act brings major multi-sector investments to New Mexico

Provisions included in the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) promise substantial federal funding for New Mexico’s military, labs, PFAS contamination cleanup efforts, and other initiatives throughout the state.

The funds track numerous fields, promising boosts to military installations, national laboratories, technology, and general economic development. It also pledges to create the White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico, following a land exchange between the U.S. Army and the National Park Service.

“This bill makes major investments to ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with the most modern technology so we can stay ahead of our adversaries,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), who authored several of the provisions, said. “New Mexico is the Center of Excellence for small satellites and for directed energy weapons, and this bill increases funding and streamlines authorities to bolster those missions. I am proud to have authorized funding for military construction projects that will modernize infrastructure at Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and Kirtland Air Force Base. This bill also makes major reforms to fix the military housing crisis and takes meaningful action on contamination at dairies outside Cannon Air Force Base. These provisions, among many others, help New Mexico families, benefit our economy, and further New Mexico’s strong position as a leader in national security for years to come.”

The NDAA seeks modernization of the military through the acquisition of digital engineers driven by work on the computer science aspect, as well as through greater funding for AI development.

While Senate approval is still required for several appropriations bills that set the funding levels for agencies involved, the NDAA lays out the Department of Defense spending levels and policies for 2020. It is also responsible for funding the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons programs at both Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as efforts at the environmental cleanup at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.