NE Missouri News

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

“This is an important bill for our national security, for our servicemembers and for Missouri,” Congressman Graves said. “Missouri is home to over 32,000 servicemembers and they will get a much deserved pay increase. Companies across North Missouri and the state supply critical ammo and weapons and this bill bolsters their production to ensure our troops have the tools necessary 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 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe sooner rather than later.”

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

- A 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted 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.

- $220 million for two additional C130J aircraft.

- $476,723,000 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.

- An additional $271 million for the F-15EX program.

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