WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding the release of President Biden’s top-line request for fiscal year 2025.

“President Biden’s top-line request focuses on the importance of balancing our national defense needs with the realities of a large federal debt and deficit as we continue to face a complex range of national security and national defense challenges, from strategic competition with China and Russia, to addressing the threats posed by rogue actors and violent extremist organizations.

“First and foremost, it prioritizes the needs of military service members and their families by calling for a 4.5 percent average pay raise for servicemembers, increased investment in housing,  and focused recruiting and retention efforts. It supports integrated deterrence with targeted modernization initiatives, including key investments in technology development, novel operational concepts, and our defense industrial base. And it emphasizes the critical nature of continued cooperation with allies and partners.

“While this request adheres to the budget caps agreed to by Congress as part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, it is, once again, one of the most significant budget requests in history. It seeks to ensure our ability to respond effectively to evolving defense challenges now and in the future with a trained, ready, and capable military force - while remaining respectful of the country’s full budgetary needs.

“I look forward to receiving further details in the coming days, and to working with my colleagues to craft a responsible and balanced National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.”

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