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Ezell Votes to Increase Troop Pay, Bolster National Security Defense

Washington, December 11, 2024 | Claire Hurley (202-225-5772)

Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included three legislative provisions authored by Ezell: 

“I am proud to support the advancement of this year’s national defense bill. This is a crucial first step in providing essential support for our brave servicemembers and their families as global threats continue to grow,” said Ezell. “The FY2025 NDAA makes important progress in strengthening U.S. military defenses, which must remain the strongest in the world to deter any potential attacks on the United States and our allies. South Mississippi plays a vital role in ensuring this strength, and I will continue to stand with our American troops and their unwavering commitment to defending our nation.”

Ezell included legislative priorities in FY2025 NDAA:

  • The Streamlining Law Enforcement Information Sharing Act, which examines how information is streamlined between state, local, and federal agencies, 
  • the FAST PASS Act, which studies ways to deliver protective health care equipment more effectively during an emergency, and
  • the Serve Act, which protects the academic future of student service members in the National Guard and Reserve serving on short-term mobilizations.

Background:

The annual defense legislation sets priorities and policies for the U.S. armed services. The FY2025 NDAA includes provisions to increase pay for U.S. servicemembers, improves military readiness to ensure our warfighters are prepared for whatever lies ahead, continues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our southwest and maritime borders, and much more. This year's NDAA includes: 

  • Authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers, 
  • supports investments in shipyard infrastructure and industrial base, and
  • fully supports deployment of National Guard troops to augment Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.


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