Graves Applauds House Passage of Defense Bill

Bill includes Graves' Amendment Adding Additional C-130Js

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) voted to pass the Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act today. The final bill, negotiated between the House and the Senate, includes important provisions to boost military pay, as well Graves' amendment to authorize $220 million for two additional C-130J aircraft, which could potetially be based at the 139^th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph in the future.

"This bill is critical for the defense of our nation, our servicemembers and for Missouri," Congressman Graves said. "The over 32,000 servicemembers in Missouri will get a much deserved pay increase. This bill also bolsters critical ammo and weapons supplies produced in North Missouri, so our troops are well-equipped to defend our nation. Finally, I'm thrilled to be able to include an authorization for additional C130J's, so we can get them to the 139^th Airlift Wing in St. Joe sooner rather than later."

The Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act includes:

• 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and supports a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.
• Critical investments in improving on-base housing conditions and restoring the basic allowance for housing to 100 percent of calculated costs for the first time since 2016.
• Increases access to childcare, supports military spouses and families, and improves the military's ability to recruit.
• $220 million for two additional C130J aircraft.
• $406,500,000 for small and medium caliber ammunition produced at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence.
• Nearly $2 billion for the B-21 Raider, which will eventually be delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base.
• Nearly $2.5 billion for the F-15EX program produced in St. Louis, MO.
• Ends the radical woke ideology being forced on our servicemen and women and restores the focus of our military on lethality.
• Bans transgender medical treatments for children.
• Bans Critical Race Theory in military schools and the service academies.
• Guts DEI bureaucracy and extends the DEI hiring freeze.
• Counters antisemitism in the Department of Defense.
• Prevents a Military Green New Deal and prevents any new climate change programs.

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