U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) voted for a House-approved defense authorization bill that terminates the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccinate mandate for military personnel. The Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers, as well as provisions championed by Bost to fund several important projects at Scott Air Force Base.“As a Marine and the representative for over 22,000 men and women who live or work at Scott Air Force Base, it’s a top priority of mine to ensure that our military men and women have the resources they need to successfully complete their mission,” said Bost. “I was proud to vote to provide them with a well-deserved pay raise and help protect them from being turned away or discharged from their service because of their vaccination status.”Key Provisions in the NDAA:
- Rescinds Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on servicemembers
- Authorizes a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers and provides an additional $500 million for housing allowances to counteract inflation
- Reverses Biden’s cuts to our national security, restoring cuts to procurement, missile defense, and military construction
- Includes language that prohibits funds from being used to retire C-40 aircraft maintained at Scott Air Force Base
- Includes significant funding for Scott Air Force Base, including $19.8 million for Child Development Center construction, $2.5 million for the Maintenance and Hanger Shops, and $52 million for family housing