Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Reauthorization Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for FY25. This legislation is crucial for enhancing our national security, improving the quality of life for our servicemembers, and ensuring the readiness of our Armed Forces.
I thank Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Smith, my good friend, Ranking Member Joe Courtney, and the members of the Committee on Seapower and Projection Forces for their dedication. Your commitment is crucial to maintaining the strength and maritime superiority of America's Navy.
Today, we face significant threats from adversaries that seek to disrupt global peace, including China's military expansion and coercive tactics that post a direct threat to the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region. To counter this threat, we need to maintain the strongest and most formidable naval and projection forces on the planet.
This legislation addresses these concerns directly and provides authority to incrementally fund construction of a second Virginia-class submarine in FY25, reinforcing our undersea dominance and providing critical, strategic deterrence. Additionally, it supports six battle force ships, invests in the shipyard industrial base, and demands consistency in the Navy's 30-year shipbuilding plan, allowing industry to invest with confidence.
Importantly, this bill meets the congressionally mandated floor of 31 amphibious ships and authorizes funding for a domestic new-build sealift program.
I am proud to say this bill recognizes the critical role of our National Guard and Reserves. It strengthens their readiness through expanded training opportunities and equipment modernization, ensuring they remain a capable and responsive force both at home and abroad.
I am really proud that it gives a 14.5 percent pay raise to our junior enlisted, who are in dire need of this, and 4.5 percent for all others. It also authorizes substantial funding to tackle housing maintenance, construct new housing units, and renovate barracks.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
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