Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin from Florida's 18th District has expressed approval for the passage of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed by the House with a vote of 281-140.

"In the current global threat landscape, with Iranian terrorist proxies scorching the Middle East and China's growing malign influence at home and abroad, it's more critical than ever to refocus our military on lethality and ensure our troops are properly supported," Congressman Scott Franklin stated. He highlighted that this NDAA addresses these issues by "eliminating DEI and CRT training distractions while authorizing a historic 14.5% pay increase and improved benefits for junior enlisted servicemembers." The bill also aims to save taxpayers $31 billion while enhancing deterrence capabilities.

The NDAA includes several key provisions such as saving $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs and bureaucracy, prohibiting funding for CRT promotion in the military, extending a DEI hiring freeze pending an investigation, blocking reductions in U.S. Special Forces numbers, and improving servicemember pay and housing. It authorizes additional funds for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter China's influence and ensures continued support for Taiwan through military exercises.

Furthermore, it prohibits reductions in Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles or their readiness status, requires maintaining the National Defense Stockpile during emergencies, provides battlefield intelligence to Israel against Hamas, fully funds joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs, prohibits DoD funds from reaching Iranian terrorist proxies, and supports nuclear triad modernization.

Franklin remarked on future efforts under Republican control of both chambers and the White House next year: "With Republicans set to control both chambers and the White House next year, I’ll keep fighting to advance policies that strengthen our national security and equip our warfighters with the tools necessary to fight and win."