River Region Times

Rep. Barry Moore has expressed his support for the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The legislation aims to enhance the well-being of servicemembers and their families while bolstering U.S. national security.

The NDAA includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel, over $1.2 billion allocated for barracks renovations, $569 million for new family housing, and expanded access to childcare and healthcare services. It also ensures full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense programs like Iron Dome and enhances joint military training efforts.

"Our servicemembers and their families have sacrificed for this country, and they deserve to be treated with the respect and care they have earned," said Moore. "This year’s NDAA ensures they have better pay and stronger support while equipping our military to confront threats from China and Iran. This legislation also reaffirms our commitment to Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East."

The act authorizes a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers alongside a 4.5% raise for others to keep up with inflation rates. More than $1.2 billion is set aside for barracks renovations addressing mold and infrastructure issues, while $569 million is dedicated to new family housing projects.

Additionally, the bill provides $776 million towards constructing new childcare centers, eliminating waitlists, raising worker pay to attract staff, recruiting mental health professionals, reducing wait times, expanding access to specialty care services, easing professional license transfers for military spouses, extending employment support programs, fully funding U.S.-Israel missile defense initiatives such as Iron Dome systems enhancement along with joint military training exercises aimed at increasing resources against potential threats from China or Iran focusing on technology cybersecurity intelligence areas specifically targeted within this comprehensive legislative package designed primarily toward improving overall quality life conditions experienced by those serving bravely across various branches armed forces nationwide today.