U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) recently announced his vote, in alignment with the majority of the House of Representatives, for the approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2024. Calvert highlighted that the approved report incorporated specific provisions he endorses.
According to a press release on Calvert's website, he voted in favor of the NDAA Conference Report, which was passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 310 to 118. Section 1810, a provision specifically requested by Calvert, was included in the report and will result in seven C-130 aircraft being relocated from the U.S. Coast Guard to California to assist in wildfire suppression efforts.
The press release further detailed that several provisions advocated by Calvert were included in the NDAA. These include Sections 913 and 903, which officially establish the Defense Innovation Unit and Office of Strategic Capital along with their programs aimed at supporting, implementing, scaling, and deploying new technologies. The NDAA also authorizes the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program—an initiative spearheaded by Calvert in the Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Appropriations bill.
The press release noted another provision at Calvert's request—Section 363—which enhances US service members' safety by introducing new requirements to the Joint Safety Council. This amendment ensures each military department has a safety management system with a resolution program addressing mishap causes, an implementation plan for prevention, and an annual review to validate corrective actions. This aligns with Rep. Calvert's MEZr Act (H.R. 4214), inspired by First Lt. David Schmitz's tragic death due to an ejection seat malfunction during a nighttime landing.
Calvert stated in the press release: "The Defense Innovation Unit and Office of Strategic Capital are doing critical work that recognizes the dramatic ways in which our wars will be fought in the years and decades ahead." He added, "We owe it to our servicemembers and their families to take every action possible to learn from past mistakes and work to prevent avoidable accidents that threaten the lives and safety of our troops. The NDAA includes meaningful reforms that will better protect American servicemembers."
According to his website, Calvert, a Riverside County native who owned small businesses in the restaurant and real estate sectors for 17 years, currently represents California's 41st Congressional District. Calvert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from San Diego State University in 1975. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, he serves as the Dean of the California Republican Delegation and chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In the 118th Congress, Calvert prioritizes pro-growth policies, military support, immigration reform, veterans' commitments, NIH research, water solutions, and infrastructure. The 41st District includes cities like Corona, Norco, Palm Springs, and parts of Riverside.