June 17, 2024
FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY: Last week, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes the funding levels for military spending and solidifies critical policy priorities. I am proud to have voted in favor of this crucial legislation, H.R. 8070, the Servicemembers Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
Our service members deserve the very best support we can offer, and this legislation delivers just that. It includes a significant pay raise for service members, essential improvements to housing and healthcare, and strips funding for the Biden administration’s woke agenda being pushed on our military. It also ensures our military is ready to counter threats from China, Russia, and Iran — keeping America safe and strong.
In recognition of the immense sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, the NDAA includes a significant 19.5% pay raise for our junior enlisted servicemembers. This substantial increase will provide much-needed financial relief and support to those who dedicate their lives to defending our nation. It is imperative that we honor their commitment and ensure they are compensated fairly for their service.
The FY25 NDAA also addresses some of the most pressing national security threats. It fully funds the deployment of the National Guard to our southern border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs, and includes provisions to prevent Chinese espionage in our military, supply chains, and research institutions. Additionally, it expands U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully funds cooperative missile defense programs, which are critical for our allies and our own security.
We have also increased funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense and support our allies in the region. This is vital for countering the growing threats from China, Russia, and Iran. In doing so, we save $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and bloated Pentagon bureaucracy. We have also cut $4.3 billion in programs that do not meet our stringent requirements.
Beyond these critical measures, the act focuses on practical, commonsense policies that prioritize merit, lethality, and readiness. By abolishing the DEI bureaucracy and ending affirmative action at service academies, we are ensuring that our military remains the strongest and most capable fighting force in the world.
Whether it’s ensuring that their families have access to quality housing and healthcare or making certain that our military technology keeps pace with that of our adversaries, we owe our men and women in uniform unwavering support.
This year’s NDAA reflects our commitment to our military and our nation’s security and underscores our dedication to supporting those who defend our nation, while also safeguarding our national interests against formidable global threats.
