Mid City Times

Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) voted to pass H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The bill includes two of her amendments and other key policy priorities.

"Thanks to House Republican leadership and our commitment to ensure America's armed forces are not only meeting the grave risks posed by adversaries around the globe but also advancing new technologies to defeat future threats, this year's NDAA delivers critical funding and direction so our nation's military is properly prepared, equipped, and capable of protecting our nation. Despite efforts by the Biden Administration to weaken military readiness, distract our armed forces with pernicious DEI programming, and eliminate key weapons systems or personnel, House Republicans have expanded funding to vastly increase pay for junior enlisted servicemembers, improve base housing, healthcare, and family support while refocusing training and military spending on battlespace lethality with mission-critical weapons systems," said Congresswoman Van Duyne. "I am also thankful to my colleagues for supporting my provision to end President Biden's unlawful policy which directed the Department of Defense to use tax dollars to facilitate abortion. This represents a return to bipartisan norms and policies that have been supported by Democrat and Republican administrations alike."

Background on Rep. Van Duyne’s Amendments Included in the FY25 NDAA:

On Thursday, June 13th, the House voted to adopt Rep. Van Duyne’s amendment prohibiting taxpayer funding from carrying out Biden’s DoD abortion policy issued on October 20, 2022. The amendment was supported by the steering committee of the Republican Study Committee.

On Wednesday, June 12th, as part of en bloc #1, the House adopted Rep. Van Duyne’s amendment aimed at improving the transportation of life-saving organs.

Rep. Van Duyne was joined by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01) in offering this amendment.

Policy Wins Contained in the FY25 NDAA to Improve Servicemember Quality of Life:

Boosting Compensation: The FY25 NDAA gives junior enlisted servicemembers a 19.5% pay raise, expands allowances for housing and food, and improves cost-of-living calculations.

Improving Housing: The FY25 NDAA boosts funding for housing maintenance accounts, strengthens oversight of military housing programs, and pursues public-private partnerships to upgrade unaccompanied housing.

Ensuring Access to Medical Care: The FY25 NDAA reduces healthcare wait times by expanding access to medical providers, especially mental health providers.

Enhancing Support for Military Spouses: The FY25 NDAA makes it easier for spouses to transfer professional licenses across states and expands DoD employment support programs for military spouses.

Increasing Access to Childcare: The FY25 NDAA improves access to childcare for military families by addressing staffing shortages at DoD facilities and fully funding childcare fee assistance programs.

Policy Wins Contained in the FY25 NDAA to Restore American Deterrence:

Deterring Communist China:

Prevents espionage in U.S. military supply chains.

Reforms DoD acquisitions.

Bolsters Taiwan’s defense.

Supports Indo-Pacific allies.

Increases funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.

Restoring Lethality:

Requires merit-based promotions.

Ends affirmative action at service academies.

Abolishes DEI bureaucracy at DoD schools.

Prevents a military Green New Deal.

Defending Israel:

Expands U.S.-Israel military exercises.

Fully funds cooperative missile defense programs.

Increases R&D funding for emerging technology with Israel.

Securing America’s Border:

Fully funds National Guard deployment at the southwest border.

Expands authorities for DoD counternarcotic activities.

Oversight & Accountability:

Saves $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs.

Cracks down on contractor waste by cutting $4.3 billion in underperforming programs.

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