Rep. Stephanie Bice, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 5th District | Facebook Website
Rep. Stephanie Bice, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 5th District | Facebook Website
Today, Congresswoman Bice voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in Washington, D.C. The act aims to enhance military recruitment, retention, and readiness by improving servicemembers' quality of life and strengthening the armed forces.
Congresswoman Bice stated: "I was proud to support this year’s NDAA which builds on the wins House Republicans secured last year. This bill will help strengthen our military, deter our adversaries, and prevent the political polarization of our military. We must ensure our military has the latest warfighting capabilities, ensuring we remain the world’s most lethal fighting force. I was also thankful to see that this year’s bill truly focuses on improving our servicemembers quality of life whether they are deployed or serving at home. Our troops put their lives on the line every day in order to protect our freedom. This bill helps support these brave individuals and their families."
The FY25 NDAA outlines several key initiatives:
- It proposes a pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers by 14.5% and 4.5% for all other servicemembers.
- It aims to improve housing conditions for barracks and maintenance services.
- It ensures access to medical care and mental health providers.
- It expands access to childcare through new on-base childcare centers.
- It supports military spouses by facilitating professional license transfers and providing employment support.
To address foreign threats, the NDAA increases funding for technologies like hypersonics and AI needed to deter China. It also prohibits contracting with subsidiaries linked to China and provides funding for Israel's defensive weapons.
In terms of fiscal responsibility, the act cuts inefficient programs and obsolete systems, saving $31 billion or 4% of Department of Defense spending levels.
The NDAA also seeks to restore focus on military lethality by prohibiting CRT funding, banning taxpayer funds for transgender treatments on children, and repealing zero-emission vehicle requirements.
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