In the last weeks of the 118th Congress, both the House and Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 85-14, while the House passed the final conference report by a vote of 281-140. President Biden signed it into law on December 23, 2024. This is the 64th consecutive year Congress has passed the NDAA.

In a statement on final passage, Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) said, “I 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. Recognizing the urgent challenge China poses, this NDAA fully invests in the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and our regional networks, including AUKUS, the Quad, and our multilateral partnerships with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Among other cutting-edge technologies, the bill authorizes increased funding for our naval vessels, submarines, aircraft, combat vehicles, missile defenses, and UAS platforms to deter adversaries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.”

SASC Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) said, “It was again a great honor to see the NDAA through to final passage. During the most dangerous national security moment since World War II, it was appropriate for Congress to put forward a defense bill that prioritizes important defense innovation investments and modernizes some of our most valued weapon systems. This year’s bill also takes care of our people, with a substantial pay raise for servicemembers and a helpful focus on quality-of-life issues for military families. I am grateful to Chairman Reed, as always, for his partnership.”

Senator Wicker will serve as Chairman of the committee in the 119th Congress, as Republicans took majority control of the Senate.

To read the full text of the FY25 NDAA, click here.

To read a summary of the bill, click here.