Sherrill Secures New Jersey Wins in Final Passage of Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) – a Navy veteran, member of the House Armed Services Committee, and appointee to the bicameral National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference committee – voted today to pass the 2024 NDAA. The bill will now head to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“The final version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act passed today is a product of bipartisan compromise. I worked hard on the Armed Services Committee to advance a bill that supports servicemembers and their families, bolsters Picatinny Arsenal, reduces the Department of Defenses’ greenhouse gas emissions, and ensures that our nation’s military remains the premiere 21st century fighting force. House Republicans tried to poison this historically bipartisan legislation with an extremist social agenda, including a ban on reimbursements for abortion care-related travel and attacks on the LGBTQ community, but were ultimately unsuccessful.  

“I am glad we were able to pass a serious piece of legislation that fulfills our sacred commitment to our armed services and the men and women who sign up to defend our nation,” said Rep. Sherrill. 

This year’s NDAA conference report includes funding for programs at Picatinny Arsenal, where they will continue to push the envelope in national security innovation. Picatinny is northern New Jersey’s largest employer, and the programs funded will not only strengthen national security, but bring more jobs and more expertise to the region. Rep. Sherrill successfully fought to include funding for research and development programs at New Jersey’s colleges and universities, such as New Jersey Institute of Technology and Stevens Institute of Technology. The legislation also includes Rep. Sherrill’s legislation to protect our Gold Star families from predatory financial advisors.  

On the House Armed Services Committee, Sherrill helped advance the NDAA with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 58-1. However, during its consideration on the House Floor, House Republicans inserted extreme provisions to the bill, including limitations to service women’s access to abortion care, mental health services, diversity efforts, and more. In August, the Senate passed its own version of the NDAA, which mirrored the goals and bipartisanship of the original House bill. 

Earlier this year, House leadership appointed Sherrill to the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee tasked with negotiating the final text of the bill that supports men and women in uniform, sets our national security priorities, and bolsters New Jersey’s economy.

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