Rep. Calvert Priorities Included in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a bipartisan majority (281–140) of the House of Representatives to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The FY25 NDAA includes a number of provisions focused on improving the quality of life for service members and their families.
“As Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I have prioritized the well-being of our service members by advocating for substantial pay increases, particularly for our junior enlisted personnel,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations Bill reflects this commitment by including a 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2025, and adds $2.5 billion towards a historic and targeted pay raise for our junior enlisted ranks (E-1 to E-4). The NDAA aligns with my vision by authorizing an extra 10% pay increase for junior enlisted service members, bringing their total raise to 14.5%. This significant investment underscores our dedication to supporting those who serve our nation and ensuring their financial stability.”
Joint Safety Council Reforms
In response to the tragic loss of First Lt. David Schmitz of Temecula, California, whose ejection seat malfunctioned during a nighttime landing, Rep. Calvert introduced the Military Equipment Quality and Safety Reform (MEZr) Act to enhance the safety of our service members. Building upon this effort, Rep. Calvert advocated for provisions that are included in Section 331 of the FY25 NDAA that require the Joint Safety Council to submit biannual reports and provide briefings detailing major accidents and the corrective actions taken.
“The disclosure requirements included in the FY25 NDAA at my request aim to ensure accountability and implementation of necessary safety reforms to prevent future tragedies,” said Rep. Calvert. “We owe it to our service members and their families to take these important steps to improve safety and transparency.”
Defense Innovation Data Repository
One of Rep. Calvert’s highest priorities as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee is to leverage America’s edge in technological innovation by more rapidly deploying advanced weapons and systems into the hands of our warfighters. To that end, Rep. Calvert advocated for the inclusion of Section 224 of the FY25 NDAA which calls on the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and the Defense Innovation Unit to collaborate with the Defense Technical Information Center to integrate initiatives from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs into a comprehensive data repository.
“The Defense Innovation Data Repository will be updated quarterly by the head of the Defense Technical Information Center, ensuring that critical research, innovation, and advanced project information are accessible across the DoD,” said Rep. Calvert. “This effort aims to streamline the transition of innovative technologies from small businesses into practical defense applications, thereby strengthening our national security and maintaining our technological edge.”
AI Pilot Program to Enhance Operations
As Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Calvert has championed the creation of a pilot program as outlined in Section 237 of the FY25 NDAA that evaluates the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software to enhance workflows and operations within Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, including military depots, shipyards, and other manufacturing sites. This initiative also improves contract administration across the Department.
“By integrating AI-driven solutions, we can identify cost-saving opportunities and elevate the efficiency of our national security operations, with a particular focus on naval construction,” said Rep. Calvert.
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