Before heading home for the Memorial Day holiday and subsequent recess, the House passed H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2011, by a rather narrow margin of 229-186.  The bill provides $726 billion in budget authority for our warfighters, including funding for the following items of interest to the EW community:

• $3.3 billion for 30 F-18 strike fighters and 12 EA-18 Growlers;
• $4.1 billion for 20 Navy/Marine Corps F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft
• $56.5 million in R&D and $185.5 million for IED jammers
• $3.5 billion for JIEDDO;
• Directs a report outlining forecast requirements for armed forces sustainment of CREW legacy systems and future CREW system requirements.

During consideration on the House floor, there were 82 amendments offered; many of which were included in noncontroversial en bloc amendments.  One such amendment was offered by Rep. Watson and Rep. Langevin that establishes a new National Office for Cyberspace to manage and coordinate government-wide cybersecurity programs and responsibilities.  Additionally, Rep. Anna Eshoo narrowly succeeded in adding an amendment that requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to cooperate with GAO inquiries that are initiated by Congress.  The amendment passed 218-210. 

Rep.  Patrick Murphy (PA) offered an amendment to establish a process to repeal “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”  The amendment passed 234-194.  Finally, the House voted down an amendment to strike funding for the Joint Strike Fighter’s Alternate Engine Program.  The House Armed Services Committee added funding for the program despite strong opposition by the Secretary of Defense.

The AOC will release additional information regarding the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act as the congressional defense budget process continues.  Visit the AOC defense budget library for the most recent material and tables.