Georgians working on military bases can expect additional funding in 2023 through the National Defense Authorization Act, according to President Joe Biden’s administration.
Signed Friday, the $858 billion bill approves 2023 funding for military bases across the state. The bill grants national defense 10% more than what the Pentagon received last fiscal year and 5% more than what the Biden administration asked Congress for.
Through a joint effort, U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Savannah, lobbied for funding for the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah. The Biden administration threatened to close the center in March due to budget constraints. With the new bill, the facility is fully funded through 2023.
The Combat Readiness Training Center is not the only program set to receive funding in 2023. Other programs include A-10 fighter aircraft and HH-60W helicopters at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, C-130 aircraft at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, a possible installation of Columbia-class submarines at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in St. Marys, a new Advanced Battle Management System at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, and upgrades to the power grid at the Army’s Fort Stewart in Hinesville.
Besides improving defense operations, the Biden administration says the defense bill includes a 4.6% pay raise for troops and a provision allowing the Pentagon to adjust housing allowances if military families cannot afford adequate base housing. The bill also earmarks $70 million for Impact Aid funding, helping children of military families access education benefits.