Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa's 2nd District has expressed her support for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In a statement, she emphasized the act's focus on national security and military personnel, while criticizing certain initiatives.

"The FY25 NDAA invests in our national security and our servicemembers while cutting woke DEI initiatives and slashing unnecessary bureaucracy that wastes time and compromises our readiness," said Congresswoman Hinson. She also highlighted the importance of a pay raise for service members and deterrence measures against adversaries such as China and Iran. "This legislation includes a well-deserved pay raise for servicemembers and prioritizes deterrence amid increased aggression from adversaries like China and Iran under President Biden," she added. Hinson expressed her eagerness to collaborate with President Trump to enhance national security efforts further.

The FY25 NDAA outlines several key components:

- A 4.5% pay increase for all service members, with junior enlisted personnel receiving a 14.5% raise.

- Funding of $15.6 billion allocated to strengthen defenses in the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming support for Taiwan.

- Measures to counter threats from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, North Korea, Russia, and state sponsors of terror.

- Additional support for law enforcement at the southwest border along with an extra $10 million for Department of Defense counter-narcotic activities.

- Reforms aimed at reducing Pentagon bureaucracy and improving acquisition processes within the Department of Defense (DoD).

- Efforts to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the DoD.

The proposed legislation aims to address both domestic defense priorities and international strategic challenges.