WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), appointee to the conference committee on the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), successfully secured a pay raise for U.S. troops, protected TRICARE beneficiaries’ access to their local pharmacy, and provided federal distinction for the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler in the final bill, which passed the House of Representatives today.
The FY24 NDAA 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 $356 million to renovate and build new barracks. It also includes report language that protects TRICARE beneficiaries’ access to their local pharmacist, a critical protection that preserves health care quality and accessibility.
“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, skyrocketing housing costs, and inaccessible health care,” said Rep. Carter.
Additionally, the bill labels 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. It is so vital that we have the official museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force here, which will educate the community on our history of service and give national attention to our states’ heroes,” said Rep. Carter.
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