Press Releases

Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, which included several amendments offered by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Operations. Connolly’s provisions addressed the expansion of telework, and the inclusion of the Safe Homefront Act.

“This overwhelmingly bipartisan effort represents a thoughtful compromise that protects our national security. I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry for their commitment to getting this done before the holidays,” Chairman Connolly said. “President Trump shouldn’t hold our military hostage for his petty partisan politics. Any threat of veto is reckless.”

Safe Homefront Act: - Codifies existing policy requiring DoD to report to National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) servicemembers with felony domestic violence convictions who are prohibited from purchasing firearms pursuant to current law. Similar legislation was offered in September 2019, by Reps. Connolly, Peter King, and Mike Turner.

Telework for U.S. Innovation Act (H.R. 7448): Authorizes permanently the United States Patent and Trademark Office teleworking pilot program established by the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced earlier this month.

Since coming to Congress, Connolly has had more than 45 amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act adopted in the House, including the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), which was enacted in law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2014.