Press Releases
Rep. Webster Votes to Strengthen National Defense
December 11, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement on his vote to pass H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
“A strong national defense is the cornerstone of our nation’s security, prosperity, and sovereignty,” said Rep. Webster. “The Constitution requires Congress to provide for our common defense, and my vote to pass this year’s NDAA ensures our military remains the most capable and lethal fighting force in the world. This legislation invests in the safety of the American people, the readiness of our troops, and the protection of our nation’s values.”
“However, I’m incredibly disappointed that our bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act was left out of this NDAA. The United States Coast Guard plays a vital role in safeguarding our maritime borders, ports and waterways, combatting drug trafficking, and responding to natural disasters. As the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I will continue working with my colleagues to provide the resources the Coast Guard needs to fulfill their mission.
“In a time of escalating global challenges – from aggression of adversaries like China and instability in the Middle East – this bill sends a clear message: the United States stands ready to defend freedom, protect our allies, and uphold the principles that have made our country a beacon of hope and strength around the globe.”
Highlights of the FY25 NDAA:
“A strong national defense is the cornerstone of our nation’s security, prosperity, and sovereignty,” said Rep. Webster. “The Constitution requires Congress to provide for our common defense, and my vote to pass this year’s NDAA ensures our military remains the most capable and lethal fighting force in the world. This legislation invests in the safety of the American people, the readiness of our troops, and the protection of our nation’s values.”
“However, I’m incredibly disappointed that our bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act was left out of this NDAA. The United States Coast Guard plays a vital role in safeguarding our maritime borders, ports and waterways, combatting drug trafficking, and responding to natural disasters. As the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I will continue working with my colleagues to provide the resources the Coast Guard needs to fulfill their mission.
“In a time of escalating global challenges – from aggression of adversaries like China and instability in the Middle East – this bill sends a clear message: the United States stands ready to defend freedom, protect our allies, and uphold the principles that have made our country a beacon of hope and strength around the globe.”
Highlights of the FY25 NDAA:
- Provides a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.
- Fully funds our national defense while saving taxpayers $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.
- Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Increases funding for cutting edge technologies needed to deter Communist China.
- Includes a provision submitted by Congressman Webster requiring a report on the production and acquisition of shipping containers from foreign adversaries.
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