House and Senate Finalize FY25 NDAA with $895.2 Billion Budget and 14.5% Pay Raise for E-4 and Below Troops

Dec 7, 2024, 11:38 PM

House and Senate negotiators have finalized the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a historic 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, specifically those at the E-4 rank and below. This pay increase aims to enhance the financial well-being of thousands of troops, addressing concerns that many servicemembers rely on food stamps. The NDAA, totaling $895.2 billion, adheres to the Fiscal Responsibility Act's spending caps. The text of the defense bill has been released, and the House Rules Committee is preparing it for floor consideration next week.