Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued a statement following the passage of H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025.
“Now more than ever, the United States must be fully committed to addressing the wide-ranging geopolitical challenges of our time,” said Díaz-Balart. “The Improving Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 takes an important step toward fulfilling the commitment that our military has the resources needed to confront these challenges worldwide.”
Díaz-Balart highlighted that the legislation prioritizes servicemembers by providing expanded access to health and childcare, improved housing conditions, employment support for military spouses, and a 19.5% pay raise for junior servicemembers. He stated that these investments would increase retention rates and ensure talented individuals remain in service.
The act also prohibits initiatives such as a military Green New Deal and DEI initiatives, which Díaz-Balart believes allows servicemembers to focus on national protection.
Additionally, he emphasized that the NDAA addresses threats from Communist China and terrorist states like Iran by supporting defense capabilities of key allies such as Taiwan and Israel. The legislation aims to modernize U.S. military forces and boost funding for defense efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
“I remain committed to ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform are prepared and equipped to safeguard our country against all threats to national security,” concluded Díaz-Balart.
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