Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025. 
 
“Today, I voted to fulfill my commitment to deliver a nation that’s safe,” said Rep. Daniel Webster. “This makes significant investments into our military, while ensuring the Department of Defense is focused on its primary mission of deterring war and protecting America’s national security.
 
“I’m pleased that so many of my colleagues embraced something I've been doing and advocating for a decade - rejecting the Washington presumption that nothing in the federal budget can be cut in order to fund our priorities without increasing our deficit. Our bill rejects $18 billion in wasteful spending from the President’s budget, and redirects funds to counter Communist China, expand the DoD’s role in combatting the fentanyl epidemic, and supporting our servicemembers and their families.”
 
Highlights of H.R. 8774 include:

• Provides a 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel, and an additional 15% for junior enlisted service members.
• Prioritizes countering Communist China by enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Increases funding for Taiwan’s international security cooperation programs and defense resources. 
• Invests $1.14 billion to enhance the Department of Defense’s role in combatting illicit drug trade.
• Cuts over $670 million from the President’s budget request from climate change and diversity and inclusion programs.
• Protects Americans against religious discrimination.
• Prevents COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates
• Provides $4.3 million for Sea Cadets