The U.S. House is poised to vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, authorizing $895.2 billion for the military, with $849.9 billion allocated directly to the Department of Defense. The 1,813-page bipartisan bill supports service members, defense infrastructure, and U.S. military capabilities.
Key provisions include a historic 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% pay raise for all others. The bill also addresses quality-of-life concerns by authorizing $2.7 billion for improving military housing, $176 million for childcare centers, and $110 million for new schools.
One controversial element, added by Republicans, prohibits the military health program from covering gender dysphoria treatments for minors that could result in sterilization. House Speaker Mike Johnson argued the measure is necessary to eliminate “radical woke ideology” from the military, while Democratic Rep. Adam Smith called for its removal, urging for a bill that does not “attack the transgender community.”
The NDAA allocates significant funding to counter foreign threats, including $16 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to address challenges posed by China. It also includes investments in hypersonic weapons, AI, and cybersecurity. Additional funds support anti-terrorism efforts, U.S.-Israel missile defense programs, and the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.
Despite its scope, border security receives comparatively little funding, with $90 million for a new command and control facility at the U.S.-Mexico border and $10 million for counternarcotics activities.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul praised the bill, saying, “Our brave men and women in uniform and their spouses allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. They deserve every benefit in this bill.” Johnson emphasized the legislation’s focus on strengthening U.S. military might to counter adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.
The House Rules Committee will advance the bill to the floor on Monday, with a Senate vote required by the end of the month for final approval.
