Kelly supports National Defense Authorization Act, bill includes pay raise for military service members

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual comprehensive package of legislation that supports American defense and military service members. The bill, which passed the U.S. House on Friday, now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

"This year's NDAA builds on the wins House Republicans secured last year to strengthen our military, deter our adversaries, and end Democratic efforts to inject a woke agenda into the military. This year’s bill includes a pay raise for our brave men and women in uniform. It also focuses resources on improving the lives of our servicemembers, and their families, who sacrifice so much to protect our nation," said Rep. Kelly. "This legislation also saves taxpayers $30 billion by cutting red tape and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy. It's a win for the military and a win for the hardworking American taxpayer."

BACKGROUND

Fully funds our national defense while cutting costs and improving efficiency

• Authorizes $895.2 billion for national defense discretionary programs, an increase of $9 billion over the FY24 enacted level, and in line with the spending level set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
• Saves taxpayers $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.

Improves servicemember quality of life to address military recruitment, retention, and readiness

• Authorizes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.

The FY25 bill builds on those gains to combat the Biden Administration’s radical, woke ideology and restores the focus of our military on lethality.

• The FY24 NDAA (P.L. 118-311) banned critical race theory in the military, gutted DEI at the Department of Defense (DoD) and included the Parents Bill of Rights to ensure military parents’ right to review curriculum, meet with teachers, and provide consent before any medical exams or screenings at school.

Deters Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression

• Increases oversight and requires accountability from the Biden Administration.
• Ensures the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter meets performance requirements.
• Improves military readiness, strengthens our industrial base, and supports the deployment of innovative and new technologies to ensure our warfighters are prepared.

Provides unprecedented levels of support for, our ally, Israel, and the resources necessary to counter our adversaries.

Strengthens our nuclear posture, improves missile defense, and accelerates delivery of space capabilities.

Continues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our southwest and maritime borders.

• Fully funds deployment of National Guard troops at the southwest border.