Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore issued a statement on June 14, 2024, regarding his vote in favor of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. "As the Member of Congress representing Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) and the northern Utah defense community, I was grateful to vote for H.R. 8070," Moore stated.

The bill includes a 19.5% base pay increase for junior uniformed airmen at HAFB, investments in advanced technology, and measures to sustain military readiness. It also aims to save taxpayers $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs and unnecessary bureaucracy.

Moore highlighted several achievements within the NDAA that benefit HAFB. He collaborated with the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to require the Comptroller General to explore alternative methods for locality pay calculations and led amendments requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a comprehensive plan for U.S. depots and military industrial facilities like the Ogden Air Logistics Complex. Additionally, he advocated for safer construction standards for new housing projects on military bases.

The NDAA fully funds HAFB’s Sentinel program, expected to modernize ground-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, create nearly 4,000 jobs in northern Utah, and ensure long-term nuclear deterrence. Moore also secured authorization for two military construction projects at HAFB worth $78 million: $28 million for F-35 East Campus infrastructure and $50 million for a future T-7A Depot Maintenance Complex.

Moore's Retain Skilled Veterans Act was included in the bill to remove the 180-day waiting period for veterans transitioning to civilian service at the DOD after their military service. Reflecting his pro-life stance, Moore supported an amendment prohibiting taxpayer funding or reimbursement of abortion-related expenses by the Secretary of Defense.

The NDAA increases funding for housing maintenance and facilitates easier transfer of professional licenses across state lines for military spouses after relocation. "I am pleased that the overall cost of this package is within the guardrails of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023," Moore added.

The Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act outlines U.S. defense policies for Fiscal Year 2025 and specifies priorities affecting benefits, compensation, force structure, and multiyear procurement of weapons systems funded by discretionary appropriations in future years.