Representative Chrissy Houlahan

Dear [firstname],

In Congress, the end of the year is also our last window to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is a key piece of legislation that Congress traditionally passes every year. The NDAA is more than just a defense policy bill — it sets funding levels and priorities for defense activities while also opening doors for innovation, business growth, and economic impact in our community. Think of it as the government's budget and policy blueprint for the military — and much more!

It’s a longer process to pass the NDAA than the average bill. Here's how it works:

Each year, Congress decides how much money to allocate for the Department of Defense, which includes funding for people, equipment, military operations, and more. The NDAA outlines these spending levels and sets specific policies regarding defense priorities, military activities, and military personnel benefits. These efforts are debated and voted on throughout the year and then usually are finalized in December of the same year. See the process below.

Source: Federal Budget Tracker — Energy Communities Alliance

*Note: Timelines can vary each year

The NDAA ensures the military is well-funded, ready, and prepared to address threats while supporting service members and military families through critical initiatives like health care, housing, and pay raises. It also funds the building of new and necessary equipment for our national defense, much of which is produced in the U.S. and some even right here in PA-06. Beyond military readiness, the NDAA shapes public policy, addressing national challenges like stockpiles of essential medicines and researching innovative technologies that improve life for all Americans. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I advocate for priorities that strengthen our national security and support the well-being of our country.

I recently visited the Military Recruiting Station in West Chester.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

As I mentioned, our national defense is multi-pronged and involves all of us, especially those in our community who work in fields that directly serve our military and collective security. Local businesses in our region have successfully collaborated with the Department of Defense by leveraging opportunities made available through the NDAA. If you are a defense contractor, sub-contractor, or looking to become one in PA-06, you can submit proposals for the NDAA too.

Each year, we open our portal to receive your requests for funding or policies. We are one of 535 offices making these requests, which are then reviewed and prioritized for the initial draft of the annual NDAA. Our team actively supports the requests that come from our district and have had numerous successes in past years as we continue to fight for you and your businesses in the context of our nation’s overall military readiness.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Join my virtual NDAA Workshop on Tuesday, December 10, from 3 to 4 p.m. to learn how to submit requests in the 2025 NDAA. In this workshop, my team and defense specialists will explain how to create a successful NDAA funding or policy submission and how to make your voice heard in Congress. The portal for 2025 submissions will open in early 2025. Check this page for its opening.

Here are the details of the event:

What: Decoding the National Defense Authorization Act: Tips for a successful submission to grow your business

Who: The Office of Rep. Houlahan

When: Tuesday, December 10, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Where: This event will be held virtually. Attendees will receive a link after RSVPing.

RSVP: Answer the one-question survey below or click here to RSVP and let us know if you're attending! *

Will you be attending?

Yes, I'll be there.

Sorry, I cannot attend.

*Thank you for RSVPing – we will send the virtual webinar link in the coming days.

Many of your neighbors in Pennsylvania are defense contractors and are doing incredible work on behalf of the Department of Defense. We appreciate all they do and aim every year to get their priorities included in the NDAA. I’ll report back once the NDAA passes and let you know how we were able to support businesses in our district through the process.

I attended the grand opening of the Etchberger Center in Reading.

VETERANS SERVICES EXPAND IN OUR DISTRICT

I also want to share some news on the local front about the Veterans Administration. You may remember in 2022 that the Coatesville VA Medical Center was on the chopping block, and we successfully marshaled community and government efforts to ensure that it would not close.

Now, Berks County is home to some new resources for veterans. I was grateful to be invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 22 of the Etchberger Center in Reading, a new VA service office staffed by five combat veterans and two civilians, and specifically designed to provide trauma-informed care. The more than 23,000 veterans and their family members who live in Berks County will have access to quality care that reflects the needs of today’s veterans, including treatment for mental health care and military sexual trauma in private and thoughtfully designed treatment spaces. Congratulations to Lt. Col. Jay Ostrich, the Director of Berks County Veterans Affairs, and his committed team for making this happen. If you want to learn more about the extraordinary story of Medal of Honor recipient Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger for whom the center is named, click here.

Serving as our community's representative is the honor of my lifetime, and I hope to hear from you soon about any issue that concerns you.

As always, please contact my office if you need assistance.

Be well, and see you soon!

Chrissy Houlahan

U.S. Member of Congress

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