Sioux City Times

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued a statement today following his vote in favor of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is a strong and important investment in our troops, our military families, and our national security,” said Feenstra. “With rising threats abroad – particularly China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – this legislation supports our military readiness, eliminates unrelated social initiatives, and enhances the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families.”

Key provisions of the act include a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, expanded childcare for military families, strengthened military housing, and high-quality healthcare for servicemembers and their families. The NDAA also allocates full funding for the deployment of the National Guard to secure the border and supports counternarcotics operations at the border.

Additional measures within the act aim to cut DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory) programs at military schools, halt forced electrification of military vehicles such as trucks and tanks, and prevent Chinese espionage activities targeting military bases and top-secret research facilities.

“I take my duty to support our troops and their families very seriously,” Feenstra added. “The FY 2025 NDAA represents our commitment to the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve our nation and maintains America’s status as the world’s strongest and most feared fighting force.”

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