EC Georgia News

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes annual funding levels for the U.S. Armed Forces and sets expenditures for the Department of Defense (DOD).

After supporting the bill on the House floor, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

"The NDAA is one of the most vital pieces of legislation that comes before Congress each year. Not only does it fulfill our duty to protect the homeland, but it also reaffirms our commitment to the brave men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms at home and abroad.

"I was proud to support this year’s NDAA, which will significantly improve servicemembers’ quality of life, equip our military with the tools and resources necessary to counter global threats, and restore American deterrence. Those who make up our nation’s Armed Forces are the bravest among us, and I am hopeful that today’s bipartisan passage of H.R. 8070 sends a clear message to our servicemembers that we stand behind them."

More specifically, H.R. 8070:

Secures critical funding for missions at Fort Eisenhower

Authorizes over $1.5 billion for missions at the Savannah River Site

Authorizes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers

Will reduce health care wait times by expanding access to medical providers

Makes it easier for spouses to transfer professional licenses across state lines

Improves access to childcare for military families by mitigating childcare staffing shortages at DoD facilities

Prevents Communist China’s espionage in our military, supply chain, and research institutions

Expands U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully funds cooperative missile defense programs

Fully funds the deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border