Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York's 24th district has announced her support for the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The legislation aims to enhance the quality of life for servicemembers while bolstering national security and defense capabilities. Two bills originally introduced by Rep. Tenney, along with one of her amendments, are included in this act.

The House of Representatives passed the bill with a vote tally of 281-140.

“While the United States faces growing threats from adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia, who continue to jeopardize our national security and international stability, this NDAA provides our servicemembers with the necessary resources to strengthen our national defense and protect our interests around the world,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The FY25 NDAA delivers a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and authorizes $569 million to build new family housing units, along with an additional $1.2 billion to renovate and construct new barracks. This reaffirms our commitment to supporting our servicemembers and their families."

Tenney also criticized what she described as a "woke agenda" prioritized by the Biden administration over military strength. She stated that "this NDAA takes decisive action by banning the Department of Defense from performing dangerous transgender medical procedures on children and continues to roll back the DEI bureaucracy." Additionally, she highlighted that "$15.6 billion" is allocated "to bolster U.S. deterrence against China" while funding joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs.

Significant funding is directed towards Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Rome's Air Force Research Lab in New York state. This includes "$27 million for the Fort Drum Wellfield Field Expansion Project" as well as funds for future projects at Fort Drum and Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield.

Two bills introduced by Tenney are part of this legislation: The FORKS Made in America Act mandates domestic purchases of stainless steel flatware by DOD starting in 2026; The Parity for Child Exploitation Offenders Act closes legal loopholes regarding penalties under military law.

Furthermore, an amendment concerning new LC-130J polar airlift planes was added to support operations led by New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing.

Despite expressing disappointment over certain unfunded provisions such as two Virginia-class submarines, Tenney called it "a big win for House Republicans," emphasizing its alignment with President Trump's Peace through Strength agenda.

Key provisions include a pay raise for junior enlisted members, border law enforcement support, deterrence against Chinese espionage, increased U.S.-Israel military cooperation funding among others.