The US House passed 217 to 199 the annual national defense policy bill, including key measures important to American Samoa and its enlisted service members and reservists.
KHJ News Washington correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
The FY ’25 National Defense Authorization Act or ‘NDAA’ authorizes a record $895 billion in defense spending—1-percent over last year.
And it includes key ‘quality of life’ improvements for the troops in housing, health care, childcare and pay boosts of 4.5% for most service members and a huge 19.5% more for some junior enlistees.
House Armed Service Chair Mike Rogers—
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The House passed three bill amendments by Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata directing studies on establishing the National Guard in American Samoa and the CNMI…using Chaplains to build Pacific partnerships…and using the FAS workforce for military projects.
The FY ’25 NDAA also stresses Indo-Pacific security…
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Rogers says the bill strengthens military partnerships with Pacific allies like Taiwan, builds US military logistics networks, protects US bases from Chinese spying, and attempts to speed fielding of game-changing military technologies.
Congresswoman Amata says the NDAA also improves troops’ cost of living and Basic Needs allowances, boosts the number of nurses and doctors, and access to TRICARE dental care for the Reserve.
The led House bill still contains controversial riders limiting abortion, gender affirming care and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training—differences that will likely have to be worked out with the Senate’s bill.
