Supporting Arkansas Military Families

For over six decades, Congress has come together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a crucial step in securing and maintaining our strong national security. This month, House Republicans successfully passed the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA, underscoring our commitment to countering the growing threats from the CCP, increasing U.S. military readiness, and supporting vital defense programs, such as those in Camden.

In an increasingly unsafe world, investments like those in the FY25 NDAA are critical in safeguarding our national security and empowering a robust national defense. Part of supporting our military readiness is supporting those at the front lines. If not for the men and women who serve our country and the sacrifices made by their families, our nation would not survive. As such, it is critically important that we ensure they are taken care of.

The House-approved NDAA will substantially improve the lives of our service members and their families. It will enhance housing conditions, ensure accessible medical care, strengthen support for military spouses, increase childcare availability, and boost compensation, among other benefits. This year's NDAA, which I proudly supported, will not only benefit our nation but also directly support numerous military families in Arkansas. The bill includes provisions for a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted and a 4.5% pay raise for Arkansas' 14,400 service members. It will also expand programs to assist Arkansas' 1,800 military spouses in finding and retaining employment and increase childcare access for our state's 2,900 children of military families, making a tangible difference in their lives.

From here, the Senate will debate and consider its version of the NDAA, and then the House and Senate will come together to compromise on a final version to be signed it into law. I will advocate for including these critical provisions in the final bill to support Arkansas military families, bolster defense programs in Southwest Arkansas, and increase U.S. military readiness.