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Biden Signs $895 Billion Defense Authorization Act for FY2025, Boosting Military Spending and Pay Raises, Effective October 1

Dec 24, 2024, 05:16 AM

President Joe Biden has signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 into law, which allocates $895 billion for defense spending. This budget, effective from October 1, 2024, includes provisions for significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members and aims to counter China's growing military influence. The NDAA, which received bipartisan approval in Congress, represents a $45 billion increase from the previous year, amounting to over $1.5 billion per day since late November 2024. Despite his opposition to certain provisions, including restrictions on medical treatment for transgender military dependents under 18, Biden's administration has emphasized the necessity of the bill in addressing national security concerns. China's Ministry of National Defense has expressed strong opposition to the NDAA, criticizing it for exacerbating tensions and promoting a narrative of a 'China threat.'