Rep. Jay Obernolte
Several amendments authored by U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) to support High Desert military bases and surrounding communities are included in the annual defense authorization bill passed on June 14 by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“This year’s House-passed NDAA will improve the quality of life for our military families and service members, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to make important changes to this critical legislation,” Rep. Obernolte said on Monday. “It’s critical that the military has the talent it needs to do its work of ensuring our nation’s security.”
The House-approved Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, H.R. 8070, includes Rep. Obernolte’s amendment to establish home-based businesses for military spouses on United States military installations, as well as an amendment to upgrade the U.S.’s solid rocket motor production, according to a summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
Another of the lawmaker’s amendments that would increase investment in domestic sourcing of rare earth elements also made it into H.R. 8070, as did one to ensure adequate health care for the civilian and military workforce in the service areas surrounding Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in Ridgecrest, Calif., and Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, Calif.
“The NDAA will enhance our nation’s military readiness, support our warfighters, and increase the military’s recruitment and retention rates,” said Rep. Obernolte. “With my provisions, it will also improve the quality of life on remote and isolated bases, including those located in California’s 23rd Congressional District.”
H.R. 9070 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.