Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a bipartisan majority vote of 281-140. Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) supported the legislation, highlighting several provisions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for military personnel and their families.
Rep. Calvert, who serves as Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, emphasized his commitment to service members’ welfare through pay increases. “As Chairman…I have prioritized the well-being of our service members by advocating for substantial pay increases,” he stated. The FY25 NDAA includes a 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel starting January 1, 2025, with an additional $2.5 billion directed towards junior enlisted ranks (E-1 to E-4). This results in a total raise of 14.5% for these ranks.
In response to safety concerns following an incident involving First Lt. David Schmitz from Temecula, California, Rep. Calvert introduced reforms through the Military Equipment Quality and Safety Reform (MEZr) Act. The FY25 NDAA now requires biannual reports and briefings from the Joint Safety Council on major accidents and corrective measures taken. “The disclosure requirements included…aim to ensure accountability,” said Rep. Calvert.
Rep. Calvert also focused on leveraging technological innovation within defense operations by supporting Section 224 of the FY25 NDAA, which establishes a Defense Innovation Data Repository in collaboration with various defense entities and small business programs like SBIR and STTR. “This effort aims to streamline…thereby strengthening our national security,” he noted.
Additionally, Rep. Calvert has championed an AI pilot program detailed in Section 237 of the FY25 NDAA designed to improve operations at Department of Defense facilities through AI-enabled software solutions. He commented on its potential impact: “By integrating AI-driven solutions…with a particular focus on naval construction.”
