Press Releases

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) today voted in favor H.R. 5009 - Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA), legislation that delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, counters the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and restores focus on military readiness.

“The passage of this defense bill sends a clear message: we stand resolutely with our servicemembers and their families, who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms and security,” said Congressman Barr. “This NDAA strengthens our national defense, ensures accountability at the Pentagon, and counters adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party with bold investments in cutting-edge technologies and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. I’m proud to support a bill that not only bolsters military readiness but also prioritizes the well-being of our brave men and women in uniform.”

Key provisions of the FY25 NDAA include:

• Supporting Servicemembers and Their Families:
• A 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all other servicemembers.
• Significant investments in housing, medical care, and childcare to improve the quality of life for military families.
• Countering the CCP and Strengthening Defense:
• $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. military posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Prohibitions on Chinese espionage activities and strengthened defenses for critical technologies such as hypersonics and AI.
• Support for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies to deter Chinese aggression.
• Defending Israel
• Requires DOD to continue to provide battlefield intelligence to Israel for the defeat of Hamas.
• Authorizes full funding for U.S.-Israel missile defense programs
• Reverses the Biden Administration’s decision to halt certain missile deliveries to Israel.
• Focusing on Lethality and Readiness:
• Eliminating wasteful programs and ensuring accountability through independent Pentagon audits.
• Investments in innovative technologies, including counter-drone systems and missile defense.
• Increased support for shipyard infrastructure and defense industrial base resilience.

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