WASHINGTON— Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of H.R. 5009 – the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The FY25 NDAA authorizes 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.

“Our servicemembers and their families have sacrificed so much for our great nation, and they deserve the highest level of support and care, both during and after their service,” said Rep. Simpson. “Equipping the courageous men and women who put their lives on the line every day with the resources they need is critical for our nation's military to protect and defend our national interests and meet its core mission. I will always support initiatives that fight for military families and strengthen our national defense. I was proud to reaffirm that commitment by supporting this critical legislation on the House floor.”

Highlights of the bill include:  

• Supports a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers with a 4.5% pay raises for all other servicemembers.
• Saves taxpayers $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.
• Fully supports the deployment of National Guard at the southwest border to disrupt illicit drug trafficking.
• 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.

The Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and NDAA was approved with a vote of 281-140.