Ft Wayne Times

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) issued a statement following the House's passage of the Service Member Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 8070.

“House Republicans took historic action today by passing an NDAA that fully funds our national defense, cuts wasteful spending, protects life, supports Israel, and deters Chinese aggression. I’m also proud this bill includes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, a 4.5% pay raise for all other members, and addresses the chronic underfunding of military housing. This bill also ensures our service members have access to medical care and improves their access to childcare. Knowing their families are taken care of will allow our men and women in uniform to perform at an even higher level as they work to defend our freedoms.”

Additional Background on H.R. 8070:

- Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services.

- Builds on the FY24 NDAA that banned critical race theory in the military.

- Guts Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the Department of Defense.

- Eliminates the position of Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense.

- Includes the Parents Bill of Rights to ensure military parents have the right to review curriculum.

- Ends affirmative action at service academies.

- Deters Chinese aggression by investing in hypersonics and AI.

- Strengthens nuclear posture, improves missile defense, and accelerates delivery of space capabilities.

- Prioritizes men and women in uniform rather than wasteful bureaucratic programs.