WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson issued a statement on the passage of H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA), emphasizing its critical role in strengthening U.S. military capabilities and improving the quality of life for servicemembers and their families.
“This year’s NDAA refocuses our military on its core mission of defending America and its interests around the globe,” Johnson said. “It ensures our men and women in uniform have the resources and support they need to remain the most powerful force in the world.”
Key Provisions in the FY25 NDAA
The legislation includes significant investments in defense capabilities, support for military families, and reforms to streamline operations and cut costs. Highlights include:
- Pay Increases and Family Support:
- A 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers.
- Enhanced military housing and improved access to childcare.
- Reduced barriers to employment for military spouses.
- Border and National Security:
- Deployment of the National Guard to the southwest border to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
- Increased funding for missile defense and nuclear programs.
- Countering Global Threats:
- Expanded U.S.-Israel military exercises and cooperative missile defense programs.
- Strengthened defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, including support for Taiwan and regional allies.
- Measures to prevent Chinese espionage in military supply chains and research institutions.
- Reforms and Cost-Saving Measures:
- A $31 billion reduction in inefficient programs, outdated weapons, and Pentagon bureaucracy.
- Promotions based on merit, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense.
Policy Changes
The FY25 NDAA includes several controversial provisions, including:
- A permanent ban on transgender medical treatments for minors.
- Restrictions on contracting with advertising firms that blacklist conservative news sources.
- Countering antisemitism by prohibiting the sale of goods at Department of Defense commissaries and exchanges from entities engaged in boycotts against Israel.
Speaker Johnson’s Vision for U.S. Defense
Johnson underscored the importance of prioritizing the military’s core mission and addressing threats from adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran. “This legislation provides our military with the tools they need to deter our enemies while investing in the well-being of our servicemembers and their families,” he said.
The FY25 NDAA reflects a comprehensive approach to national defense, combining strategic investments with cost-cutting reforms to ensure the U.S. remains a global military leader. As Johnson noted, “The safety and security of the American people remain our top priority.”