WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to reject poison pill riders and pursue bipartisan passage of H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Investment Act and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, next week.  
 
"For 64 consecutive years, Congress has passed a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to provide the policy and authorities necessary to address the national security threats we face. Earlier this month the House Armed Services Committee did exactly that, capping months of work to pass the bill out of committee 57-1. Now, I urge the Speaker to continue this bipartisan tradition and reject attempts to add poison pills or partisan riders to the bill when it's considered by the full House next week.  
 
"The bipartisan bill reported out of committee is rooted in the work of the Quality of Life Panel, implementing numerous recommendations to better support our troops and their families. The bill seeks to address recruitment and retention issues by providing authorities to improve pay and compensation, housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support.  
 
“This year’s bill also prioritizes clear bipartisan priorities like investing in innovation and modernization to help strengthen America’s industrial base and improve readiness; ensuring robust oversight and divestment of aging legacy systems and programs; and reaffirming America’s strong commitment to allies and partners as we continue to face enormous challenges and threats around the world that we cannot face alone.
 
“If we are to succeed in passing a historic 19.5% pay raise for junior service members; funding crucial defense investments promoting innovation and strengthening our defense, and achieving our oversight obligations, there is only one viable path forward. I urge Speaker Johnson to reject all attempts to politicize and weaponize the committee-passed defense bill and honor the long-held bipartisan traditions of the House Armed Services Committee when he brings the NDAA to the House floor next week.”
 
Click here for an FY25 NDAA summary prepared by House Armed Services Committee Minority staff. 

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