National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (S. 1390) was a major piece of legislation that authorized $680 billion in funding for the Department of Defense and national security programs. It established the budget for military personnel, weapons procurement, and ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan while implementing reforms to the military’s acquisition and health care systems.

For everyday citizens and service members, the bill’s most direct impacts included a 3.4% pay increase for members of the military and the expansion of TRICARE health benefits for National Guard and Reserve members. The act also included the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal law to allow the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Additionally, the bill modernized military voting procedures to make it easier for overseas service members to register and cast absentee ballots in federal elections.