WASHINGTON — Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) today released the following statement after voting to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.
“America is strongest when we support those who keep us safe, and the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act achieves that mission. I proudly voted today to bring merit back to our military, strengthen our national defense, and reject the far-left agenda that has no place in our armed forces. This bill blocks affirmative action at service academies and DEI curriculum at the Pentagon, putting an end to this painful and disruptive woke chapter in the Department of Defense’s history.
“For Utahns, the FY25 NDAA means stronger support for Hill Air Force Base, expanding and growing the capacity of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, and language requiring the department to improve locality pay calculations. Most importantly, a 14.5% junior pay raise will directly benefit the servicemembers and families who need assistance the most.
“At a time when threats from China, Iran, and other adversaries are rising, the FY25 NDAA ensures that our military remains the strongest, most lethal, and most effective fighting force in the world. It sends a clear message: we stand with those who defend our freedoms, and we will always have their backs.” — Rep. Burgess Owens
Background on the FY25 NDAA:
Wins for Utah
- Hill Air Force Base Enhancements: Provides significant funding to advance modernization projects at Hill Air Force Base, ensuring its continued role as a leading center for national defense.
- Pro-Family Values: Prohibition on taxpayer dollars to pay for expenses related to abortion, more funding for DOD child care facility staff and spouse employment certificate reciprocity to make getting a job easier for military spouses.
- Defense Manufacturing: Bolsters Utah’s defense industrial base, including support for cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and innovation critical to future defense capabilities.
Supporting Our Service Members and Their Families
- Across-the-Board Pay Raise: Authorizes a 5.2% pay increase for all service members, ensuring competitive compensation for their invaluable service.
- Junior Enlisted Pay Increase: Provides a significant 14.5% basic pay raise specifically for junior enlisted service members, addressing the unique financial challenges faced by these personnel.
- Health Care and Well-being: Establishes new maternal mental health programs for service members and their families, expanding support for critical life events.
- Education Support: Streamlines educational assistance programs, reducing barriers for service members pursuing higher education or vocational training.
Countering Threats from the CCP and Foreign Adversaries
- Cybersecurity Measures: Prohibits the Department of Defense (DoD) from procuring Chinese-manufactured drones and communications equipment, ensuring the integrity of U.S. military systems.
- Strengthening Supply Chains: Implements measures to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries in defense supply chains, promoting resilience and security.
- AI and Emerging Tech: Mandates enhanced oversight of AI technologies to counter the influence of adversarial nations in emerging technology sectors.
Strengthening U.S. Defensive Cooperation with Allies
- U.S.-Israel Collaboration: Fully funds missile defense initiatives with Israel, including the Iron Dome and anti-tunnel technologies, fortifying shared security interests.
- Pacific Region Partnerships: Expands joint training programs and resource-sharing agreements with Pacific allies to counter increasing threats from the CCP.
- NATO Support: Reaffirms commitments to NATO allies through increased funding for interoperability and readiness initiatives.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
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