Senator Wicker Statement on NDAA Topline Negotiations

WASHINGTON- This weekend, the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) version prepared for final passage in the House and Senate was released. The bill does not include U.S. Senator Roger Wicker's, R-Miss., proposed and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)-passed measure to increase the topline of the defense budget by more than $25 billion.

Senator Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the SASC, released the following statement:

"I am proud of much of the NDAA. We provided a historic pay increase for our junior-enlisted troops, protected children against dangerous medical treatments, improved the ability to plan for protracted warfare, and sharpened our tools to work with Israel, Taiwan, and other partners. However, the failure to include a topline increase is a tremendous loss for our national defense. Many senior flag officers, defense strategists, and other experts continue to note that this is the most dangerous moment since World War II. Not only does this NDAA thwart the bipartisan will of the Senate, but it signifies a profound missed opportunity to strengthen President-elect Trump's hand when he takes office," Senator Wicker said. "I remain resolved to continue the national conversation I have started about our defense needs, and I will amplify this discussion should I become Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my Congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it."