The U.S. House of Representatives has officially passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025. The annual legislation ensures that the U.S. military has all of the tools and finances it needs to be successful in protecting America from rising global threats. This year’s NDAA is particularly important as it will allow a stronger, more robust response to growing aggression from China and the Middle East.
Alabama’s congressional delegation was largely supportive of the NDAA and its ability to protect America on a global stage while providing for servicemembers at a higher level.
Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) praised the raise in pay for those in the military and addressed the threats in a statement following the bill’s passage out of the House.
“Our servicemembers and their families have sacrificed for this country, and they deserve to be treated with the respect and care they have earned,” said Moore. “This year’s NDAA ensures they have better pay and stronger support while equipping our military to confront threats from China and Iran. This legislation also reaffirms our commitment to Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East. Fighting to support our men and women in uniform is my highest priority, and they will always have my unwavering support.”
Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) emphasized that the NDAA will move the military back in the right direction allowing it to properly defend Americans from countries with ill intent.
“This year’s NDAA is laser-focused on improving the quality of life for service members and their families,” said Strong. “It restores focus on military lethality and deterrence of our adversaries, boosts oversight and accountability, and guts funding for woke ideology at the Defense Department. “
“The NDAA is critically important to Redstone Arsenal, the hundreds of service members, thousands of civilians, contractors, military retirees, and their families here in North Alabama. I am proud to support the NDAA’s investments in North Alabama which highlight the region’s importance to U.S. national security.”
Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) also noted the bill’s necessity in the face of growing international danger.
“The NDAA that passed in the House today halts the destructive woke policies of the Biden-Harris Administration that have undermined our military readiness and refocuses our military on its primary mission of protecting and defending our nation,” Palmer said. “As we face major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and the rising threat in the Pacific, we must make sure our military is fully capable of meeting these challenges. In addition, the NDAA includes long overdue increases in pay for our soldiers, sailors, and airmen and their families so that those who want to serve in our nation’s military can actually afford to do so.”
House Armed Services Committee Chairman, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), stressed that providing for servicemembers is the “most important job that Congress has.”
“The FY25 NDAA gives junior enlisted servicemembers a historic 14.5% pay raise; boosts funding for housing; expands access to medical providers; supports programs that provide employment support to military spouses; and improves access to childcare.”
He also explained how the NDAA will help counter China and enemies of Israel in the Middle East.
“China is the most dangerous threat facing our nation – the FY25 NDAA is laser-focused on deterring China and protecting our nation. The FY25 NDAA boosts funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific; supports the continued modernization of our nuclear deterrent; revitalizes our defense industrial base; and expedites the fielding of innovative technologies. This year’s NDAA also bolsters U.S. support for Israel as it defends itself against Iran and its terrorist proxies.”
“Importantly for Alabama, the FY 2025 NDAA authorizes $119.6 million for military construction projects in Alabama and further cements Alabama’s place as a leader in national defense.
The lone Democrat in the Alabama delegation, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), had reservations about the legislation although she ultimately voted in favor of it.
“Today, I voted yes on the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act to give our service members the support they need to keep our nation safe,” she said. “I am very proud that this year’s NDAA includes a well-deserved 14.5 percent pay raise for our junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 percent raise for the many other brave Americans serving in our Armed Forces.”
“To be clear, this bill is not perfect. Even though House Democrats successfully blocked the majority of divisive Republican amendments, I have serious concerns about some remaining provisions that were placed in the bill for political purposes.”
The House voted 281-140 to pass the NDAA on Wednesday.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
