National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
Name	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
Enacted by	116th United States Congress
Cite	Public Law 116-92

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 is a federal law that authorizes the annual budget and expenditures of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for fiscal year 2020. This legislation was passed by the 116th United States Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 20, 2019. The law provides a total of $738 billion in defense spending, setting a new record for military expenditure.

Overview and legislative history

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on May 22, 2019, by Representative Adam Smith (D-WA), the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. The bill was then referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, which marked it up and passed it on June 13, 2019. The United States Senate passed its version of the bill on June 27, 2019. A conference committee was formed to iron out the differences between the two versions, and the final bill was passed by both chambers on December 11, 2019.

Major provisions

The law includes several major provisions, including a 3.1% pay raise for service members, and a $5.4 billion increase in nuclear deterrence spending. It also authorizes the DoD to develop a new Space Force as the sixth branch of the US military, and includes measures to improve military readiness and cybersecurity. Additionally, the law imposes sanctions on Russia and Turkey for their actions in Ukraine and Syria, respectively.

Space Force establishment

The law establishes the Space Force as a new branch of the US military, with General Mark N. Natchareth as its first Chief of Space Operations. The Space Force is responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of space operators to protect US interests in space. The establishment of the Space Force is seen as a response to the growing importance of space in modern warfare, and the need for the US to maintain a competitive edge in this domain.

Military personnel policies

The law includes several provisions related to military personnel policies, including a ban on the use of chemical weapons and a prohibition on the DoD from gender transition-related medical care for transgender service members. The law also includes measures to improve military spouse employment and education benefits, and to support veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Budgetary allocations

The law authorizes a total of $738 billion in defense spending for fiscal year 2020, with $622 billion allocated for the DoD's base budget, and $116 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). The law also includes provisions to improve budget transparency and accountability within the DoD.

Controversies and amendments

The law was not without controversy, with some Democrats objecting to the large increase in defense spending, and others criticizing the inclusion of provisions related to border wall funding and immigration. The law also faced opposition from some Republicans, who argued that it did not do enough to address China's growing military presence. Despite these objections, the law was ultimately passed with broad bipartisan support.

Category:2020 in law