Congress is another step closer to reality on a nearly $900 million military funding and policy bill. The U.S. House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act.
The plan includes:
• 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers
• Investments to improve on-base housing conditions
• Restoring the basic housing allowance for military members to 100% of calculated costs
• Increasing access to childcare for military families
• Expanding National Guard support for Border Patrol operations at the southern border
• Continued funding for the B-2 and B-21 stealth bombers at Whiteman Air Force Base
• Investments in training infrastructure at Fort Leonard Wood
• Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood – A combined total of $139.5 million for fueling facilities and advanced individual training barracks
• $406,500,000 for small and medium caliber ammunition produced at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence
• Nearly $2 billion for the B-21 Raider, which will eventually be delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base
• Nearly $2.5 billion for the F-15EX program produced in St. Louis
West-central Missouri Congressman Mark Alford serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.
“From the growing aggression from China and Russia to the persistent menace of terrorism, it is imperative that we ensure our military has provided the resources and support they need to defend our interests and keep Americans secure,” Alford said during the House’s work Wednesday to pass the bill.
Alford said this is not a bipartisan bill – it’s an American bill.
“We are not just funding the military, we are improving the lives of those who protect us every day. And by passing the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, we have sent a clear message to our adversaries, America will not be intimidated,” he said.
The legislation also contains a provision from northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, which would approve $220 million for two additional C-130J cargo planes, possibly for the Air National Guard base in St. Joseph.
“This bill is critical for the defense of our nation, our servicemembers and for Missouri,” Graves said in a written statement. “The over 32,000 servicemembers in Missouri will get a much deserved pay increase. This bill also bolsters critical ammo and weapons supplies produced in north Missouri, so our troops are well-equipped to defend our nation. Finally, I’m thrilled to be able to include an authorization for additional C130J’s, so we can get them to the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe sooner rather than later.”
Eastern Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner, a Republican from Ballwin, said the bill will support American troops and bolster the country’s national defense.
“Our world is in a dangerous place, and it is incredibly vital we maintain a strong national security and provide essential support to our servicemembers as they fight to defend our nation. This legislation takes action to fight back against reckless aggression by the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific and ensures our sensitive defense intelligence remains protected,” Wagner said in a written statement.
The bill also includes provisions that would restrict gender transition care for children of servicemembers and halts funds for the teaching of race-based history in military schools and academies.
The next stop for the military funding and policy bill is the U.S. Senate.
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