Findlay Times

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) released a statement following his vote in favor of the Fiscal Year 2025 Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

"This year's Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act puts our men and women serving in uniform first. It's our duty, as Congress, to support our troops as they defend our interests at home and abroad, which is why I'm proud to support this year's annual defense legislation. While saving taxpayers $30 billion, this year's NDAA boosts compensation for servicemembers and their families, strengthens military readiness to deter aggression by communist China and other foreign adversaries, and restores the focus of our military on lethality rather than 'woke' ideology. And importantly, the NDAA supports law enforcement operations along our southwest and maritime borders to keep our people and nation safe."

Latta emphasized the importance of strengthening national defense amid rising threats from foreign adversaries. "As we continue to combat rising threats from foreign adversaries, it's critically important we strengthen our national defense to keep our country safe. This year's NDAA accomplishes that goal, and I urge the Senate to swiftly take up the bill and send it to the President's desk to be signed into law."

The NDAA includes several key provisions:

- Authorizes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.

- Reduces dangerous health care wait times by expanding access to medical providers, including mental health providers, and increases oversight of health care accessibility for servicemembers.

- Rejects the Biden administration's effort to cut the number of guided missile cruisers.

- Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

- Fully funds deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.

- Expands authorities and increases funding for DoD counternarcotic activities.