WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Speaker Mike Johnson commended the legislation, emphasizing its focus on strengthening the U.S. military, improving servicemember quality of life, and addressing global security threats.
“This year’s NDAA includes important wins for our troops and ensures our military has the necessary resources to defend our nation,” said Speaker Johnson. “Our men and women in uniform should focus on their mission of protecting America—not political distractions.”
Key Provisions in the FY25 NDAA
- Pay and Benefits:
- A 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers.
- Enhanced support for military families, including improved housing and expanded childcare access.
- Reduced employment barriers for military spouses.
- Strategic National Security Focus:
- Increased funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster Taiwan’s defense and strengthen alliances.
- Expansion of U.S.-Israel military exercises and full funding for cooperative missile defense programs.
- Comprehensive measures to prevent Chinese espionage in military, supply chains, and research institutions.
- Deployment of the National Guard to the southwest border to intercept illegal activities.
- Efficiency and Cost Savings:
- $31 billion in savings achieved by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and excessive Pentagon bureaucracy.
- An additional $4 billion cut from non-essential programs.
- Refocusing Military Priorities:
- Permanent bans on transgender medical treatments for minors and the teaching of critical race theory in military academies.
- Elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and climate change programs within the Pentagon.
- Provisions to counter antisemitism, including restrictions on entities boycotting Israel from selling goods at Department of Defense commissaries.
- Advancing Military Innovation:
- Accelerated acquisition timelines for weaponry to ensure readiness for emerging threats.
- Support for law enforcement operations and innovation in defense technology.
A Focus on Global Challenges
Speaker Johnson highlighted the bill’s strategic response to threats posed by China, Russia, and Iran. “This legislation provides the tools needed to confront increasingly hostile threats while maintaining our commitment to peace through strength,” he said.
Bipartisan Challenges
Johnson expressed disappointment that 124 House Democrats opposed the bill, citing concerns over provisions they described as politically divisive. “These votes ignore the priorities of our military personnel and the importance of this legislation in securing our nation,” Johnson stated.
Next Steps
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read the full text here.