CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has scrapped the coronavirus military vaccine mandate, and Clarksville’s congressman says it’s a win for servicemembers and their families.

Rep. Mark Green, a combat veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement after the repeal of the mandate.

“The repeal of the military vaccine mandate is a long overdue win for servicemembers and their families,” he said. “However, there’s still work to do. The Biden administration must take the necessary steps to ensure servicemembers who were discharged for refusing the vaccine receive full veteran benefits, an opportunity to return to their previous positions, and to retroactively provide ineligible former servicemembers such benefits.”

Green also spoke about other items listed in the NDAA.

“This NDAA reverses disastrous cuts to our military made by President Biden and contains a 4.6% increase in pay for our troops. As the voice to thousands at Fort Campbell, I take seriously the impact NDAA provisions have on our servicemembers. As one of the members on the House Armed Services Committee with combat experience, I have fought for the inclusion of multiple priorities and was proud to vote for it.”

Rep. Green said he secured many “key items” in the NDAA, which included the following:

  • Increases in the Army’s operation & maintenance budget for projects, such as barracks improvements
  • Requires the Department of Defense, State Department, and United States Agency for International Development’s Inspector Generals to regularly carry out comprehensive reviews and audits of assistance provided to Ukraine
  • Reinforces that parents of children attending Department of Defense Dependents Schools have the right to review curriculum, instructional materials, and disciplinary policies
  • Limits the sale of goods made with Uyghur Muslim slave labor in China from being sold on military installations
  • Encourages bilateral exchanges between the Special Operations Forces of the United States and Polish Allies
  • Supports the procurement of unique subterranean special operations training capabilities
  • Mandates the Department of Defense study and report China and Russia’s influence in the Western Hemisphere
  • Increases defense cooperation between the U.S. and India to counter the Chinese Communist Party

The bill authorizes $858 billion for national defense and also contains improvements to border security and drug interdiction and removal efforts, particularly for fentanyl.