This past week, my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee have been marking up bills to ensure our nation’s safety on all fronts. The Homeland Security Appropriations Act and the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations Act ensure American security from external threats and reject Bidens woke, far-Left policies, which do not fulfill the core mission of defending our country.
Additionally, this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) improves the lives of our servicemembers through pay raises and various programs to better the lives of our military families.
Americans are tired of watching the numbers of illegal crossings swiftly rise, as this Administration sits back and allows it to happen. The FY25 Homeland Security Appropriations Act sufficiently addresses the border mess created by Biden, including $600 million to finish the construction of the southern border wall. It requires Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to follow the law and stop migrants from illegally crossing by ensuring a physical barrier is in place. This bill also cuts wasteful dollars requested by the Biden Administration, such as eliminating over $650 million for migrant-related services.
The SFOPS Appropriations Act of 2025 fulfills our commitment to protecting our national security, supporting our allies, and defending freedom across the globe.
Included in this bill are funds for Israel in their fight against terrorism and funds to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region. We have included provisions to stop fentanyl and other drugs from entering America and destroying our communities. Abroad, we have ensured that the freedom of religion must be protected, and democracy must be advanced.
Improving the lives of our servicemembers is far past due. I am proud that this year’s NDAA addresses issues of insufficient pay, poor housing, and lack of resources for spouses and children. It includes a 19.5% pay raise for our junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.
The well-being of the backbone of our national defense is vital for the security of our nation. That’s why we expanded employment opportunities and childcare services these hardworking, selfless men and women. This bill is truly an investment in our armed forces and America.
Ensuring national security for America has always been one of my top priorities. I am proud to support these three bills because they are each one step in putting America first.
By shutting down the border, cutting wasteful spending, and improving the lives of our men and women in the armed forces, my colleagues and I are determined to get America back on track.
Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.
