releases: https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-votes-raise-military-pay-end-widows-tax-designate-white-sands
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://torressmall.house.gov/media/press-releases/torres-small-votes-raise-military-pay-end-widows-tax-designate-white-sands | Torres Small Votes to Raise Military Pay, End the Widows Tax, Designate White Sands as National Park as Part of Annual National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | NM | Xochitl Torres Small | T000484 | torressmall.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Last night, Congresswoman Torres Small voted to pass the bipartisan conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2020, legislation that provides stability to the country's military and service members and responds to national security needs. The final legislation is a result of nearly a yearlong effort between the House of Representatives and Senate. In addition to providing a 3.1% raise for all service members, the final version of the NDAA achieves two major victories for America's working families: ending the unfair and unjust widow's tax' and securing 12 full weeks of paid parental leave for workers across the federal government, including DoD civilians. Congresswoman Torres Small fiercely advocated for New Mexico throughout the creation of this year's NDAA. This includes ensuring New Mexico's farmers didn't pay the price for their proximity to military bases. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she amended the bill to give the military the authority to provide fresh, clean water for agricultural use and create a remediation plan for clean-up. She also fought for the re-authorization of the Mentor Protg program, which partners small businesses with defense contractors in order to expand economic opportunities through partnerships with the U.S. military. Lastly, Torres Small worked to showcase New Mexico's national treasures through the successful re-designation of White Sands National Park Monument as White Sands National Park. Our men and women in uniform make great sacrifices on behalf of our country every day and I am proud to vote for a well-deserved pay raise. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I'm committed to making sure we address the needs of all our service members, whether that's through ending the unjust widow's tax' or securing paid parental leave, said Torres Small. This legislation also ensures we support communities surrounding military bases by protecting water resources for our farmers and re-authorizing the Mentor Protg program to support our small businesses and local economy. Rep. Torres Small's FY2020 NDAA amendments that ultimately were included in the version of the NDAA headed to the Senate are listed below: Authorization of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of each branch of the military to provide a remedy when a military installation is responsible for PFOA or PFOS contamination in agricultural lands. PFOS and PFOA are the main components of the firefighting foam used on military installations. Expansion of the definition of community infrastructure to include electric co-ops that provide services nears military installations, making them eligible for reimbursement like local or state governments. Three-year re-authorization of the Mentor-Protg Program, which opens the door for New Mexico's small businesses to partner and learns from already established defense companies, which in turn will create good paying jobs, foster innovation, and grow the economy. Direction of a study on the state of unexploded ordnance on Indian Reservations and how the Department of Defense can collaborate with tribes to expedite their removal. Launch of a study on maternity leave parity for mothers serving in the U.S. National Guard. In addition to the previously described amendments, Rep. Torres Small also successfully advocated for the inclusion of the following measures in the main text of the landmark NDAA legislation: The creation of White Sands National Park, a new national park that will preserve New Mexico's natural resources and boost local economies. The requirement of a briefing on the Department of Defense's understanding of best practices for the clean-up and disposal of PFOS and PFOA contaminated soils. The authorization of Chief of the National Guard to use Defense Environmental Remediation Account funds to address PFAS exposure in and around National Guard bases. The requirement of the Secretary of the Navy to complete a new plan for fluorine free firefighting agent use on all military installations by January 2024. A directive to the Department of Defense to evaluate existing authorities to address Tribal mitigation and funding mechanisms for those mitigations. An establishment of a prerequisite of the Department of Defense to consult with impacted tribes prior to a military project proposal to assess potential impact on Native American lands, culturally connected locations, and tribal treaty rights. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |