FOREST PARK — A bill recently signed by President Joe Biden extends the authorization needed to ensure completion of a new forensic laboratory at the Gillem Enclave.
The bill by U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock — Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023 — was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The lab is expected to upgrade forensics capabilities and strengthen U.S. national security.
“Senator Warnock and I introduced and passed the Fort Gillem Defense Forensics Enhancement Act of 2023 to ensure the Army has the authorities necessary to build a world-class laboratory facility for the men and women who are testing and evaluating evidence recovered all over the world vital to our national security,” Ossoff said.
The Forensic Exploitation Directorate (FXD) provides global forensic capability in support of the full range of military operations and counter-terrorism efforts. The Directorate deploys teams around the world to provide commanders with a forensic analysis capability.
“By investing in these facilities at Fort Gillem, we are strengthening our national security,” said Warnock. “As the proud son of a veteran and voice in the Senate for Georgia’s military communities, I am proud to work alongside Senator Ossoff to support Georgia’s service members and military institutions.”
Other veteran and military-related bills that were recently signed into law:
— Ossoff’s bipartisan bill to expand access to counseling and mental health services for military families in Georgia and nationwide was signed into law.
Sens. Ossoff and Kevin Cramer (R-ND)’s bipartisan Military Families Mental Health Services Act will help more military families access vital mental health care services. The bill became law as part of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.
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