Findlay Times

Congressman Bob Latta, representing Ohio's 5th District, has expressed his support for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation includes measures to increase military pay and fund the removal of Chinese communications equipment from U.S. infrastructure.

"I was pleased to support this year's NDAA which will increase pay for our brave troops, strengthen our military readiness to protect our nation, cut $31 billion in wasteful spending, and, importantly, fund critical 'Rip and Replace' efforts to remove communist Chinese communications equipment from U.S. infrastructure," said Congressman Latta. As Chair of Energy and Commerce's Communications and Technology Subcommittee, he emphasized his role in advocating against the use of Huawei and ZTE communication equipment.

The NDAA outlines several key provisions for the upcoming fiscal year. Among them is funding through the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act aimed at removing insecure equipment identified as national security risks. Additionally, it authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers along with a 4.5% raise for all other servicemembers.

Latta highlighted Congress's responsibility to support military personnel: "Congress has the solemn responsibility to support our men and women in uniform, including helping to provide for the safety and security of the American people."

Other provisions include improvements in cost-of-living allowance calculations for servicemembers abroad, increased funding for technologies such as hypersonics and AI to deter China, prohibitions on sharing sensitive missile defense information with China under current administration policies, enhanced oversight within the Department of Defense, and a reduction in inefficient defense programs totaling $31 billion in savings.