WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement after the passage of H.R. 8070 Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025: “Now more than ever, the United States must be fully committed to addressing the wide-ranging geopolitical challenges of our time. The Improving Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 takes an important step toward fulfilling the commitment that our military has the resources needed to confront these challenges worldwide. This important piece of legislation puts our servicemen and women first, providing them with expanded access to health and childcare, improved housing conditions, employment support to military spouses, and a 19.5% pay raise for junior servicemembers. These investments will increase retention rates, ensuring that talented individuals remain in the service. It prohibits far-left initiatives such as a military Green New Deal and DEI initiatives, allowing our servicemembers to be fully focused on the protection of our nation. Furthermore, the NDAA recognizes the unique threat that Communist China and terrorist states like Iran pose to regional and global stability by supporting the defense capabilities of key allies such as Taiwan and Israel. It guarantees that our military is fully modernized and boosts funding for U.S. defense efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. I remain committed to ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform are prepared and equipped to safeguard our country against all threats to national security.” | 