WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA) by a vote of 281 to 140.  

“For over 60 consecutive years, the NDAA has served as the foundation for our national security priorities, fulfilling Congress’ sacred obligation to provide for the common defense and underscoring our commitment to the people who bravely serve our country and their families.

“There is much to celebrate in this bill thanks to the bipartisan commitment that defined the time-honored process. That includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members and improvements in quality of life issues such as housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support for service members and military families. We were also successful in blocking many harmful provisions that attacked DEI programs, the LGBTQ community, and women’s access to reproductive health care.

“However, the corrosive effect of Speaker Johnson’s insistence on including a harmful provision puts the lives of thousands of children at risk by denying them health care and may force thousands of service members to choose between continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need. This will be felt for generations to come.

“While I ultimately could not vote for the final bill due to the provision pushed by the Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Mike Rogers, Chairman Jack Reed, Ranking Member Roger Wicker, the Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, and the staff for their work on this year’s bill.”