2021: Fitzpatrick Voted To Authorize $35.5 Billion To The Defense
Health Program. In December 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the National
Defense Authorization Act For FY 2022 which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "authorize $35.5 billion for the Defense
Health Program." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a
vote of 363-70. The bill was sent to President Biden and it ultimately
became law. [House Vote 405,
12/7/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/7/21;
Congressional Actions, S.
1605]
The Bill Would Authorize The President To Designate An Official To
Lead Efforts To Address Havana Syndrome, Which Are "Anomalous Health
Incidents." According to CNN, "On 'anomalous health incidents,'
more colloquially known as Havana Syndrome, the bill authorizes the
President to appoint a 'senior official' to lead a
'whole-of-government' effort to address the incidents, the summary
states." [CNN,
12/8/21]
The Bill Would Establish A Defense Department Cross Functional
Team To Arrange The Responses To The Anomalous Health Incidents.
According to CNN, "The bill also creates a 'Department of Defense
cross functional team' to coordinate the Pentagon's response to the
health incidents." [CNN,
12/8/21]
The Cross Functional Team Would Address "National Security
Challenges" Caused By The Anomalous Health Incidents And Help
Victims Of Such Incidents To Receive Medical Care. According to
CNN, "The team will address 'national security challenges,' posed by
the health incidents and ensure that those who have suffered from
the incidents receive timely medical care, the bill states." [CNN,
12/8/21]
2019: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The FY 2020 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), Which. In December 2019, Fitzpatrick
effectively voted for the FY 2020 NDAA. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "The agreement requires the Defense secretary to develop and
implement a comprehensive policy for the provision of mental health care
throughout the department, and to report within 18 months of enactment
on implementation of the policy. It also requires a mental health
assessment for servicemembers returning from a contingency operation;
requires the Defense secretary to report on the shortage of mental
health providers in the department and develop a strategy to recruit
mental health professionals; and requires the secretary to conduct a
review and report to Congress on suicide among servicemembers, including
specific metrics related to the effectiveness of suicide prevention
initiatives." The vote was on adoption of the conference report to
accompany the bill. The House adopted the conference report by a vote of
377-48. The bill was later passed by the Senate and signed into law by
the President. [House Vote 672,
12/11/19; Congressional
Quarterly,
12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
S.1790]