James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
Dec 23, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 2395
Became law: Dec 23, 2022
Dec 23, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 2395
Became law: Dec 23, 2022
Full breakdown available
This pages provides a high-level overview of this law. For full list of provisions, line-item appropriations, and specific funding allocations, please view our detailed breakdown.
Summary
Approves funding for the Department of Defense, military building projects, and Department of Energy defense work, and sets the number of military members for 2023.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. military requires annual approval from Congress for its budget and operational policies. This law provides that yearly authorization, allowing the military to pay its members, buy equipment, and carry out its missions.
What does this law do?
Rescinds COVID-19 vaccination mandate
Requires the Secretary of Defense to cancel the rule that all members of the Armed Forces must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Increases security assistance to Ukraine
Authorizes $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to provide support and training to the military and national security forces of Ukraine.
Strengthens defense partnership with Taiwan
Authorizes increased military cooperation with Taiwan, including joint military exercises and programs to modernize its defense capabilities to deter potential aggression.
Authorizes multi-year procurement for Arleigh Burke class destroyers
Allows the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multi-year contracts to buy up to 15 Arleigh Burke class Flight III guided missile destroyers.
Prohibits retirement of certain aircraft
Prevents the Air Force from retiring F-22 aircraft until September 30, 2027, and places limits on retiring other aircraft like the C-40, HH-60W, E-3, and F-15.
Requires defueling of Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility
Directs the Secretary of Defense to safely empty the fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii and authorizes the facility's closure.
Increases income limits for Basic Needs Allowance
Raises the income threshold for service members to qualify for the Basic Needs Allowance from 130% to 150% of the federal poverty line to help address food insecurity.
Authorizes reimbursement for pet relocation costs
Allows the military to pay back service members for some of the costs of moving a pet during a permanent change of station, up to $550 for domestic moves and $4,000 for international moves.
Establishes secure reporting for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP)
Creates a secure system for government and contractor personnel to report any events or government programs related to UAPs, also known as UFOs.
Prohibits goods made with forced labor from Xinjiang
Bans the sale of any goods in military commissaries or exchanges that are known to be made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China.
Creates Survivor Benefit Plan open enrollment period
Establishes a limited time, ending January 1, 2024, for retired or former service members who previously declined to enroll in the Survivor Benefit Plan to now elect coverage.
Authorizes posthumous promotion for Ulysses S. Grant
Allows the President to appoint Ulysses S. Grant to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States, the highest possible rank in the Army.
Who does this affect?
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors
- Military families
What is the real world impact?
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Fulfills a constitutional requirement
Provides the annual authorization and funding required by the U.S. Constitution for the military to operate. This ensures service members are paid, equipment is purchased, and national defense missions can continue without interruption.
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Addresses specific geopolitical threats
Includes targeted funding and policy changes aimed at countering threats from specific countries. Authorizes significant security assistance for Ukraine and strengthens the defense partnership with Taiwan to deter potential aggression.
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Modernizes the military and its equipment
Authorizes multi-year contracts for major new weapon systems like destroyers and helicopters. This long-term planning helps stabilize the defense industry and ensures the military receives modern equipment to maintain its advantage.
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Includes politically motivated policy changes
Contains provisions that may reflect political priorities rather than purely military ones. The rescission of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members was a contentious issue that some argue was driven by politics over public health and military readiness.
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Serves as a vehicle for unrelated legislative items
Acts as a large, must-pass bill, making it a target for adding numerous provisions that are not directly related to national defense. This can lead to a lack of focused debate on important but smaller issues included in the massive text.
When does this start?
This law sets the military budget for Fiscal Year 2023 and contains multiple different start dates for its various provisions, beginning on December 23, 2022.
Rescission of COVID-19 vaccine mandate
The Secretary of Defense must rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members by January 22, 2023.
Survivor Benefit Plan open season
An open enrollment period for the Survivor Benefit Plan begins on December 23, 2022, and ends on January 1, 2024.
Establishment of joint force headquarters in Indo-Pacific
The Secretary of Defense must establish a new joint force headquarters in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's area of operations by October 1, 2024.
Prohibition on certain contracts for foreign-made drones
Beginning October 1, 2024, the Department of Defense is prohibited from contracting with entities that operate certain foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems.
TRICARE dental program improvements
Changes to the TRICARE dental program, including offering multiple insurance carriers and new enrollment options, will become effective on January 1, 2026.
Restriction on buying firefighter gear with PFAS
Beginning on October 1, 2026, the Department of Defense is restricted from purchasing firefighter turnout gear that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals.