WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 (FY25), which authorizes funding for our military, servicemembers and their families, as well as critical national security programs that keep America safe. 

“We must send a message to the world that America’s national defense capabilities are ironclad and provide strong support to our servicemembers who are the foundation of our defense,” said Congressman Joyce. “This year’s NDAA supports this mission by improving servicemember quality of life, countering China, restoring American deterrence, and ensuring our military is focused on their core mission.”

This year’s NDAA included three of Joyce’s bills:

• Military Suicide Prevention in the 21st Century Act: Requires the Department of Defense to carry out a two-year pilot program to insert suicide prevention resources onto smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces and to provide training on these resources. 
• The Project Spectrum Authorization Act: Authorizes the “Project Spectrum” program within the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense to provide Department of Defense suppliers that are small or medium-sized businesses, through an online platform, digital resources and services that increase awareness about cybersecurity risks and help such entities to comply with the cybersecurity requirements of the defense acquisition system.
• Shielding America’s Youth From Exploitation (SAYFE) Act: Requires the Department of Defense to establish an annual training for students who are enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) regarding the prevention of sexual abuse. Such training must be provided by an entity other than a JROTC administrator or instructor.

In addition to Joyce’s amendments, the FY25 NDAA: 

• Authorizes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers. 
• Authorizes an additional $601 million over the President’s request for housing maintenance accounts. 
• Requires merit based promotions. 
• Reaffirms U.S. support to Taiwan
• Blocks the Biden administration’s plan to reduce the number of U.S. special forces. 
• Expands the prohibition on DoD from contracting with any Chinese civil-military companies to include any subsidiaries. 
• Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Prevents a military Green New Deal