Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill authorizes $895.2 billion for national defense and aims to cut inefficient programs to save taxpayer money.

Stefanik expressed her pride in supporting Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, stating, "As the Chief Advocate for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division for over a decade, I am proud to help deliver another national defense bill that brings the priorities of Upstate New York and the North Country to the highest levels and enhances U.S. national security."

The NDAA includes several provisions led by Stefanik aimed at strengthening Fort Drum and supporting military families. Among these is a requirement for constructing an East Coast Missile Defense Site at Fort Drum by 2030. Other measures include advancing mountaineering skills within the 10th Mountain Division and aligning its Alpine Initiative with the Army's Arctic Strategy.

For Upstate New York and the North Country, Stefanik secured funding for various projects such as Air Force Research Lab exercises in Lewis, NY, and new LC-130 skibird planes for the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing. The bill also supports electric vertical take-off aircraft development at Plattsburgh Airport by BETA Technologies.

In confronting foreign adversaries like China, Stefanik included provisions requiring Chinese drone manufacturers DJI and Autel Robotics to be placed on FCC's Covered List unless deemed not a security risk. The bill prohibits DoD contracts with companies lobbying for Chinese military firms.

Support for service members includes a pay increase of 14.5% for junior enlisted personnel and 4.5% for others. It also provides direct access to specialty medical providers by waiving TRICARE referral requirements.

The NDAA emphasizes emerging technologies with strategies to build domestic drone industries and protect against AI voice replication threats. It also strengthens U.S.-Israel defense cooperation through funding anti-tunnel initiatives and missile defense collaboration.