The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have released an 1,813-page bill, reconciling their differing National Defense Authorization Act proposals.
The House of Representatives could vote this week on a compromise version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with up to $895.2 billion in defense discretionary spending.
This latest version of the NDAA, coming in at 1,813 pages, is a compromise between earlier House and Senate proposals for the annual defense bill.
The House and Senate Armed Services Committees released the new compromise bill on Dec. 7.
It allocates $849.9 billion for programs under the Department of Defense (DOD), another $33.3 billion for defense programs run through the Department of Energy and its Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, and $512.4 million for defense-related activities.
The NDAA allows for up to $11.5 billion in discretionary spending adjustments, bringing the potential total to $895.2 billion.
Another $26.5 billion is tied to mandatory programs.
The new version includes increased funding to bolster U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region with $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a program focused on bolstering the U.S. military’s China-facing capabilities.
The spending allocation is $5.7 billion higher than the DOD requested.
Other provisions are aimed at reducing the risk of Chinese actors being able to access sensitive U.S. information.
Numerous measures bar the DOD from buying certain equipment or contracting for specific services from China.
The compromise NDAA also provides funding for seven new warships, including one Virginia-class submarine and supplemental funding for a second; an amphibious transport dock ship; and one medium landing ship.
It also authorizes funding for three new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers; one more than the DOD requested.
The new NDAA fully funds the new Columbia-class submarine and B-21 Raider stealth bomber programs.
Included in the Act, is a 4.5 percent pay raise for all U.S. troops across the board, with enlisted ranks E-4 and below to receive a 14.5 percent pay boost.
Allowances are increased for both the cost of living and basic needs for servicemembers.
The bill also bolsters family support by funding childcare programs and new facilities, as well as expanding military spouse employment support.
By Ryan Morgan
