Panhandle Times

Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Texas has expressed his support for the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote count of 281 to 140.

In a statement, Congressman Moran criticized the current administration's handling of national security and military matters. "Over the last four years under the Biden Administration, our country has witnessed significant deterioration in national security and military capabilities," he said. He further accused the administration of attempting to introduce policies into the Department of Defense that politicize the military.

Moran highlighted that this NDAA addresses national security threats and provides a pay increase for servicemembers while maintaining fiscal responsibility. "This NDAA is supported by conservative champions such as Heritage Action for America and the Family Research Council," he noted.

The legislation includes several provisions beneficial to Texas, where it authorizes $575.7 million for military construction projects, including a vehicle paint shop at Red River Army Depot. It also aims to expand employment programs for military spouses and improve recruitment pathways to senior military colleges like Texas A&M University.

Key conservative wins are part of this NDAA, such as maintaining spending caps aligned with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and countering diversity, equity, and inclusion measures from previous years' legislation. It also prohibits certain educational content related to critical race theory within military training.

Regarding international concerns, the act includes measures aimed at deterring Chinese Communist Party espionage and bolstering defense ties with Taiwan and Israel. On domestic issues, it supports deploying National Guard troops at the southern border and increasing funding for counternarcotic activities.

Overall, Congressman Moran emphasized fiscal oversight by cutting inefficient programs and contractor waste within defense spending.