U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently secured a series of major priorities in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Senate’s annual defense bill.
Secured provisions include continued development and fielding of protective body armor designed specifically for female troops, improved security and resilience of domestic supply chains in key technologies, including requiring reporting on any security implications related to the use of and dependence on electric vehicles in the government fleet; National Guard sites PFAS testing and remediation improvements; and required security assessments related to the Afghan withdrawal; and
ammunition production and procurement support at locations throughout the country.
“As a former battalion and company commander, I know firsthand how important it is for our troops to have the support, training, and equipment to defend our nation – today and in the future,” said Ernst, a combat veteran and the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. “I’m proud to have secured key measures in this year’s defense bill that will better equip female soldiers, help defend and protect our critical domestic supply chains and address the quality and needs of our National Guard bases, including Des Moines’ Iowa Air National Guard Base.”