The House Armed Services readiness subcommittee approved its portion of the fiscal 2020 defense policy bill Wednesday morning, CQ reported.
The panel was the final Armed Services subcommittee to advance its National Defense Authorization Act legislation, approving its markup without amendments.
The full committee will mark up this year’s NDAA package June 12.
The readiness panel’s bill would address spotlighted privatized military housing problems through increased oversight, but it does not take action on existing contracts with private companies to avoid lawsuits against the government.
Military families have highlighted unhealthy and hazardous conditions in privatized housing including mold growth, lead-based paint exposure and other problems, as On Base has reported.
The readiness panel would also prohibit the use of fluorine-based firefighting foam in non-emergency situations on military bases. It would further require the Pentagon to transition away from using PFOA/PFOS chemicals by 2029, Military Times reported.
Beyond new PFAS restrictions, the readiness bill would also provide millions for environmental clean-up at National Guard bases and address contamination of installation drinking water, according to the report.
Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding
When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell steps down from his Senate leadership role after the November elections, he’ll have at least two more years in the Senate. Now he’s signaled one of his priorities as a rank-and-file Senator is to increase defense funding,...
