Strong Supports House Passage of FY25 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON— Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) by a vote of 217-199. Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was proud to vote in favor of final passage. 

“This year’s NDAA is laser-focused on supporting our service members and ensuring they have what they need to keep our country safe. Once again, the NDAA will make a positive and direct impact to support the crucial work done here in North Alabama,” said Representative Dale W. Strong. 

This year’s defense bill emphasizes improving the quality of life for service members and their families and also focuses on restoring military lethality and deterrence of our adversaries.  

“No service member should have to decide between serving their country or providing for their family. We must do better for the men and women who choose to fight for our country, especially our junior enlisted,” said Strong. 

The FY25 NDAA authorizes millions of dollars in funding for military construction projects, including $159.7 million for five Alabama projects, with $88 million for Redstone Arsenal. Additionally, the bill addresses the following topics: 

Service Member Quality of Life 

• Provides junior enlisted with a 19.5% pay raise and a 4.5% pay raise for all service members, including 26,000 in Alabama. 

• Expands DoD programs that provide employment support to military spouses, including 4,400 in Alabama. 

• Mitigates childcare staffing shortages and eliminates fee assistance wait lists for eligible families seeking off-base childcare. 8,000 children of military families call Alabama home. 

• Expands access to specialty healthcare providers and supports efforts to employ additional mental health providers. 

• Authorizes Veteran Service Organizations to participate in the Transition Assistance Program. 

Acquisition Reform and Industrial Base Readiness 

• Modifies portions of the DoD’s milestone process to reduce redundant and unnecessary documentation burdens.  

• Establishes a Cross Functional Team to implement a multi-year planning, budgeting, and execution process for the DoD.  

• Increases U.S. investment in domestic munition production capacity.  

Strengthens Missile Defense and Space Capabilities 

• Reverses the Biden administration’s decision to cease production of the Standard Missile 3 Block 1B interceptors, assembled at Redstone Arsenal.  

• Directs establishment of a third continental missile defense site to bolster defense of the United States homeland from long-range missile threats.  

• Continues support for investment in innovative commercial space solutions to increase capacity and resiliency in space.  

• Fully authorizes funding for the National Security Space Launch program. 

Secures the U.S. Homeland 

• Fully authorizes funding for the deployment of National Guard troops to support border patrol activities at the U.S. Southwest Border. 

• Expands the DoD’s authority to assist law enforcement with the interdiction of narcotic traffickers. 

Deters U.S. Adversaries  

• Increases funding authorization for innovative technologies to deter the Chinese Communist Party, including hypersonics, micro nuclear reactors, and high-energy lasers.  

• Bars the DoD from providing security assistance to the Taliban. 

• Directs the DoD to assess pre-launch missile defeat capabilities to eliminate missile threats from Iran and its proxies.  

• Prohibits Chinese and Russian nationals from being admitted into sensitive nuclear facilities.