WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 8070 – the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The FY25 NDAA fully funds America’s national defense, improves servicemember quality of life, enhances military readiness, and takes important steps to address the security threats America faces from adversaries including China, Iran, and foreign terrorist organizations.

“Equipping our servicemembers with the resources they need and supporting our troops and their families is critical for our nation’s military to meet its mission,” said Rep. Simpson. “Our troops work tirelessly to protect our national interests and everyday freedoms, and I am pleased the NDAA honors their sacrifice by prioritizing the needs of those in uniform. This critical piece of legislation shows strong support for Idaho servicemembers, their families, and military families nationwide. I will always fight for those who fight for us, and I was proud to reaffirm that commitment by supporting the NDAA on the House floor.” 

Highlights of the bill include:  

• Authorizes $895.2 billion for national defense discretionary programs, which is $9 billion over the Fiscal Year 2024 enacted level.
• Supports a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raises for all other servicemembers.
• Saves taxpayers $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.
• Expands programs to help Idaho’s 1,600 military spouses attain and retain employment.
• Expands access to childcare for the 2,200 children of military families in Idaho.
• Increases oversight and demands accountability from the Biden Administration. 

The Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and NDAA was approved with a vote of 217 to 199. This measure will advance to the Senate for further consideration.