WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) successfully protected the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) and provided federal distinction for the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill that will bolster national defense and improve service members’ quality of life, which passed through the House of Representatives today.
The FY24 NDAA prioritized and protected funding for the Savannah CRTC, a vital military training center that has been on the Biden administration’s chopping block for years. Additionally, it will label the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler as the United States’ official museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, which will give it the national recognition it deserves.
“The First District has a large, important military community, which is why it is so vital that we continue to invest in our local infrastructure that supports, trains, and educates the public, service members, and their families,” said Rep. Carter.
Additionally, the bill includes dozens of necessary improvements to service members’ quality of life, including a 5.2% raise in basic pay, the largest pay raise in 20 years, expansion of Basic Needs Allowance for low-income families, reduction in Department of Defense childcare fees, and more than $240 million to reduce housing costs.
“Our service members and their families give all in support of our freedom and national defense. It is not only our responsibility but our moral imperative to ensure that they have the resources they need to live full, healthy lives, unburdened by low wages and skyrocketing housing costs,” said Rep. Carter.
The House Armed Services Committee identified nine primary functions of this bill, which you can read about here:
- Ending wokeness in the military
- Countering the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression
- Budget savings and reforms
- Oversight and accountability
- COVID-19 vaccine discharges
- Providing for our service members and military families
- Strengthening strategic deterrence, missile defense, and hypersonic capabilities
- Military and industrial base readiness
- Innovation
Read the full bill text here.
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