The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted 86-8 to approve the final version of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, which includes a bipartisan bill offered by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) to support the nation’s federal intelligence employees.
The NDAA, S. 1790, which on Dec. 11 received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives, now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“The men and women of our Intelligence Community work tirelessly to keep our nation safe by naming the threats we face today and preparing for those we may face tomorrow,” said Sen. Burr, chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “I am proud to see this bill finally passed by Congress, and look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
The NDAA includes the Damon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, S. 245, and for FY 2020, S. 1589, both sponsored by Sen. Burr. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) signed on as the original cosponsor of S. 245.
“The Intelligence Authorization Act deters foreign threats, secures our elections, builds a strong intelligence workforce, and ensures proper congressional oversight,” Sen. Burr said.
The companion bill to Sen. Burr’s bills, H.R. 3494, which combined both of the senator’s bills to provide the consecutive fiscal year funding, in July received House approval as part of the NDAA before being sent to the Senate.
The bill authorizes appropriations for the federal government’s intelligence and intelligence-related activities, as well as for the Community Management Account and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, according to the congressional record summary.
“This legislation, which passed the Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously and cleared the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, is a significant investment in America’s vital interests and national security,” Sen. Burr said. “It is also an investment in the people who are essential for achieving our strategic goals.”