Benton Times

Today, Congressman Steve Womack voted in favor of H.R. 5009, known as the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The legislation authorizes $895.2 billion for national security, aiming to enhance military preparedness, improve servicemembers' quality of life, deter foreign adversaries, and concentrate the Department of Defense on its core mission.

Congressman Womack highlighted the importance of passing the NDAA: “Passing the NDAA is vital to the safety and security of our homeland and strength of America’s armed forces. This year’s legislation aims to deter adversarial threats abroad and bolster defense capabilities nationwide—including in Arkansas—while improving the quality of life for servicemembers and their families."

Despite his support for the bill, Womack expressed opposition to certain decisions within it: "Although I’m strongly opposed to the decision to circumvent state’s rights regarding the forced federalization of National Guard formations, opposing this legislation is not the right way to address the issue."

Key provisions in the bill include encouraging investment in expanding Iron Dome system production capacity at Camden, Arkansas; authorizing funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center; a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers; expanded access to childcare and employment opportunities for military families; refocusing DOD priorities on military readiness by eliminating DEI programs; extending and increasing funding for new military technology through the Pacific Deterrence Initiative; reaffirming U.S. support to Israel against regional threats; reaffirming U.S. defense commitments to Taiwan against CCP threats; full funding authorization for deploying National Guard troops at the southwest border; and blocking reductions in U.S. Special Forces.

Additional provisions secured by Congressman Womack involve allowing Arkansas three years to request ownership of Hot Springs' former Army-Navy Hospital, creating a National Digital Reserve Corps to address cyber-attacks and workforce gaps, directing an assessment on expanding the National Guard State Partnership Program in Pacific Islands, and studying increased involvement of U.S. Coast Guard in this program.

The FY25 NDAA will now proceed to Senate consideration.