FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Christianné Allen, Christianne.Allen@mail.house.gov
CONTACT: Marisa Melton, Marisa.Melton@mail.house.gov
Fulcher Votes to Refocus Military’s Core Mission on Lethality and Deterrence
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Senate amendment to House bill H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), for Fiscal Year 2025:
"Today I voted to refocus the Department of Defense on our military’s core mission—deterrence and lethality," said Congressman Fulcher. "Increasing threats in the United States, and rising conflicts around the world, serve as a reminder that we must be able to recruit and retain top-tier military. This legislation lays the groundwork for incoming President Donald Trump’s administration to do just that while ensuring the quality of life for our nation’s soldiers properly reflects the gratitude we have for their service.”
FY25 NDAA Bill Highlights:
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Eliminates $31 billion in spending by cutting inefficient defense programs, programs not consistent with the mission, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.
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Authorizes a historic 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and provides a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.
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Improves the servicemember cost of living allowance calculation to ensure it accounts for inflation.
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Reduces healthcare wait times by expanding access to medical and mental health providers.
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Permanently prohibits the DoD from providing transgender medical treatments for children.
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Enhances readiness by blocking the Biden administration’s plan to reduce the number of U.S. Special Forces.
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