U.S. Senator Katie Britt hailed the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed late last week as lawmakers depart Washington for the Christmas holiday.

Britt and top lawmakers are celebrating provisions that deepen Alabama’s role as a cornerstone of America’s defense infrastructure while delivering historic support for servicemembers and their families. Sen. Britt personally advocated for and secured key funding and provisions benefiting Alabama’s military installations, defense industry, and the men and women of the Armed Forces.

“The FY25 NDAA ensures the Yellowhammer State remains at the forefront of America’s defenses while modernizing our military’s cutting-edge capabilities and assets, so our warfighters remain the best equipped, trained, and prepared in the world,” Sen. Britt (R-Montgomery) said after its passage.

Major Investments in Alabama’s Military Infrastructure

Sen. Britt’s showcased securing key NDAA provisions including:

• Anniston Army Depot:
  • $56 million: Power generation and microgrid construction.
  • $14 million: Small arms warehouse design.
  • $3 million: General-purpose warehouse design.
  • $5 million: Guided missile maintenance building design.
  • Additional funding for Abrams tanks, PIM combat vehicles, and Stryker Modernization.
• Redstone Arsenal:
  • $40 million: Ground Test Facility Infrastructure construction.
• Fort Novosel:
  • Indirect economic impact from positioning Fort Novosel for the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS), which could bring future contracts and jobs.
• Textile Manufacturing and Munitions Disposal:
  • Indirect economic boost from assessments and support for local industries.

Addressing Mental Health for Servicemembers and Families

A centerpiece of Britt’s advocacy in the FY25 NDAA is her expansion of behavioral health care access for U.S. Armed Forces members and their dependents. Building on gains made in the FY24 NDAA, which directed a study on the feasibility of Department of Defense (DOD) behavioral health services abroad, Britt secured access to specialty behavioral health care under the TRICARE Prime program for those stationed overseas.

“The NDAA also includes major wins for the brave men and women who serve with a needed pay raise and investment in their wellbeing. Addressing America’s mental health crisis extends to our Armed Forces, which is why I was committed to finding ways to support the mental health of our servicemembers and their families in this Defense Bill,” Britt says.

Supporting Servicemembers with Historic Pay Raises

The NDAA delivers financial relief to military personnel:

• A 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers (E1-E4).
• A 4.5% pay raise for all other active-duty servicemembers. These raises reflect Britt’s dedication to improving the quality of life for military families.

RELATED: Rep. Mike Rogers: 20% raise for junior enlisted servicemembers included in 2025 NDAA

Advancing Innovation and Missile Defense

The FY25 NDAA authorizes investments that enhance America’s technological edge in defense, including:

• $250 million to restore SM-3 IB missile production.
• $176 million for additional radar systems.
• $65 million to expand SM-3 IIA missile production.
• $33.5 million for disruptive technologies development.
• $15.5 million for sensor modeling and simulation.
• $6 million for missile defense systems and radar sustainment.

Additional investments include artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and advanced radar technology.

Promoting Military Career Development

Britt successfully amended JROTC requirements, lowering the minimum number of students needed to establish new units. This ensures greater access for Alabama students to pursue military training and careers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to cultivating future military leaders.

RELATED: Sen. Katie Britt: What we can accomplish in the new Trump administration

“At a time when we live in an increasingly dangerous world with adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia ready to take advantage of any American weakness, it is absolutely imperative we make targeted, strategic investments in our national security. This legislation will help put America back on track while providing the incoming Trump administration with the resources to implement a peace through strength doctrine to once again prioritize America First policies,” Britt said.