The Senate voted 85-14 on Wednesday to pass a defense bill that would authorize $895.2 billion in fiscal year 2025 funding for national defense.
The Senate Armed Services Committee said Wednesday the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, would authorize $849.9 billion for the Department of Defense and $33.3 billion for the Department of Energyâs national security programs.
CBS News reported that the NDAA, which cleared the House last week, is now headed to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature.
NDAA Provisions
The bill would increase investments in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and the European Deterrence Initiative, provide greater resources for counter-unmanned aircraft system technologies and support DOD activities associated with the security partnership of the U.S., Australia and the U.K., also known as AUKUS.
Other provisions in the proposed measure are the modernization of hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and other military technologies and capabilities, development of missile defense systems, advancement of a secure nuclear deterrent and efforts to strengthen DOD’s cybersecurity strategy and capabilities.
The legislation would also authorize critical investments in submarines, battle force ships, aircraft, combat vehicles, long-range artillery and other equipment to maintain U.S. military advantage.
âI am proud that the Senate has voted by a wide, bipartisan margin to pass the NDAA. This is a practical bill that is laser-focused on the threats we face,â said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I.
âMost importantly, this NDAA provides an historic pay raise for our servicemembers, improves healthcare and education benefits for military families, and invests in new barracks and military construction projects,â added Reed.
