EC Georgia News

Today, the House of Representatives approved the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA). This act sets funding levels for the U.S. Armed Forces and outlines expenditures for the Department of Defense.

Congressman Rick W. Allen from Georgia's 12th District expressed his support for the bill with a statement emphasizing its significance: "The importance of the NDAA cannot be overstated as it represents our commitment to the men and women in uniform and the safety of all Americans." He criticized what he perceives as emboldened adversaries under the current administration, stating, "We must restore America's strength on the world stage. Period."

Allen highlighted that this year's NDAA addresses local needs by providing pay raises for servicemembers, reducing healthcare wait times, and funding missions at Fort Eisenhower and Savannah River Site (SRS). "Passage of today's legislation fulfills our duty to stand behind those who defend our freedoms at home and abroad," he added.

Key provisions in the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA include funding projects at Fort Eisenhower, supporting plutonium pit production at SRS and Los Alamos National Laboratory, housing maintenance upgrades, a 14.5 percent raise for junior enlisted servicemembers along with a 4.5 percent raise for others, reduced healthcare wait times, improved childcare access, better employment support for military spouses, deployment of National Guard to address border issues, deterrence against China’s espionage activities, a permanent ban on TRICARE coverage for transgender medical care for minors, support for Israel while countering antisemitism through trade restrictions at DOD commissaries related to boycotts against Israel.

Additionally, measures within this act aim to reduce diversity training initiatives like Critical Race Theory.