NE Missouri News

Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri has expressed approval following the House's passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act. The bill, which was finalized in negotiations between the House and Senate, includes provisions for increasing military pay and an amendment by Graves to authorize $220 million for two additional C-130J aircraft. These aircraft could potentially be stationed at the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.

"This bill is critical for the defense of our nation, our servicemembers and for Missouri," Congressman Graves stated. "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 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe sooner rather than later."

Key elements of the Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act include:

- A 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all other servicemembers.

- Investments aimed at improving on-base housing conditions and restoring the basic allowance for housing to full calculated costs.

- Enhanced access to childcare, support for military spouses and families, and improved recruitment capabilities.

- Allocation of $220 million for two additional C130J aircraft.

- $406,500,000 designated for small and medium caliber ammunition from Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence.

- Nearly $2 billion allocated towards the B-21 Raider intended for Whiteman Air Force Base.

- Almost $2.5 billion earmarked for the F-15EX program manufactured in St. Louis.

The act also contains measures that prohibit certain ideologies within military institutions such as Critical Race Theory, bans transgender medical treatments for children, addresses antisemitism within the Department of Defense, and halts climate change programs associated with a Military Green New Deal.