(WNY News Now) – In what Republicans describe as a “significant move” for national defense and military welfare, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) successfully championed 30 amendments in the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.
Washington, DC—The House of Representatives passed the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 by a vote of 217-199. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted in favor of the legislation, which incorporates 30 amendments she sponsored or cosponsored. These amendments aim to bolster national defense and improve the quality of life for military personnel while eliminating initiatives deemed detrimental to military lethality.
“The National Defense Authorization Act is a crucial piece of legislation that funds our military and enhances the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families,” said Congresswoman Tenney. She emphasized that the NDAA for FY25 strengthens deterrence capabilities, counters the Chinese Communist Party’s influence, and reverses the Biden administration’s proposed reduction of the Virginia-Class Nuclear Submarine force, crucial for Indo-Pacific defense. The bill also provides a 19.5% raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, improves housing, ensures access to healthcare, and expands childcare for military families.
Tenney highlighted the importance of focusing military funding on readiness and defense capabilities rather than on “woke” policies, such as Green New Deal mandates and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She supported amendments to prohibit funding for these policies, ensuring taxpayer dollars are efficiently utilized.
Two significant pieces of legislation Tenney introduced were included in the NDAA: the FORKS Made in America Act, requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to purchase American-made stainless steel flatware, and the Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act, closing loopholes that allow child predators to avoid enhanced penalties.
The NDAA includes several key provisions:
- A 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all others.
- Over $693 million for new family housing units on and near bases.
- Over $204 million for new childcare centers construction.
- Prioritization of Fort Drum for in-home childcare program expansion.
- Expansion of DOD childcare access for military spouses seeking employment.
- Mandates that all military promotions be based on individual merit.
- $30 billion savings in current DOD spending.
- Full funding for two Virginia-class submarines.
Tenney’s advocacy ensured that 30 of her amendments were included in the FY25 NDAA, making her the House member with the most amendments in the bill. These amendments span from extending reporting requirements on the IRGC to prohibiting DOD funds for certain controversial policies and initiatives.
Leave a Reply