SW Arkansas Times

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Servicemember and Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for FY25 (FY25 NDAA). Congressman Bruce Westerman, representing Arkansas's Fourth District, issued a statement on the passage of the legislation.

"House Republicans, under the Servicemember and Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for FY25 (FY25 NDAA), have passed legislation to improve the quality of life for all servicemembers and funnel key investments through defense programs in order to further position the United States as a global leader in defense," said Congressman Westerman. He emphasized concerns about low morale affecting military recruitment, retention, and readiness. "We cannot and should not allow these factors to negatively affect the men and women in our military who dedicate their lives to protecting our freedoms."

Westerman highlighted benefits for his district: "Several provisions in the FY25 NDAA are wins not only for our national security and servicemembers but for the Fourth District of Arkansas. I am pleased to see several funding initiatives which positively impact East Camden and other industry areas within the Fourth District that are responsible for producing critical arms and supplies necessary for our national defense."

He also addressed ideological issues: "Through this process, House Republicans have pushed back on radical, woke ideologies that have been needlessly pressed upon our military. These, and any other partisan ideals have no place in this sector." The bill includes measures against adversaries like China, Russia, Iran while supporting Israel.

The act contains several specific prohibitions related to Department of Defense (DoD) policies such as banning certain medical treatments for minors with gender dysmorphia within DoD facilities. It also prohibits teaching critical race theory in military settings.

Other provisions include a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members up to E-4 rank, a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members, $100 million allocated for new schools serving children of service members, fully funded child care fee assistance programs aimed at eliminating wait lists, among others.

The act authorizes full funding for joint US-Israel missile defense programs impacting Arkansas's Fourth District directly by reversing decisions made during Biden Administration concerning missile production.

Additionally mentioned was background information regarding developments at Hot Springs' former Army-Navy Hospital site; recent grants aim towards its security maintenance amid disrepair concerns since ceasing operations there earlier years ago.