2021: Schweikert Voted Against Authorizing $35.5 Billion To The Defense Health Program. In December 2021, Schweikert voted against 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: Schweikert Effectively Voted For The FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Which. In December 2019, Schweikert 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]