Today, Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27) voted in favor of the FY2025 Defense Appropriations Act, which passed the House. This bill aims to strengthen the military and ensure national security while including Rep. Garcia’s proposal to provide U.S. junior enlisted troops with a historic pay raise.
The bill also allocates funding for several programs expected to generate jobs and significant economic impact in CA-27. “This is the Defense bill that America needs,” said Rep. Garcia. “It refocuses the Pentagon on deterring and winning wars, better supports our warfighters and their families, and sends both our enemies and allies a clear message: America’s military is and will remain the strongest fighting force in the world.”
Garcia emphasized that this strength is maintained by “our brave men and women in uniform, who right now are paid less than fast-food workers.” He expressed pride in his proposal’s inclusion, calling it a “historic pay raise for our junior enlisted troops.”
He added, “The world is becoming more dangerous under the current administration, not less. That means we need a combat-ready military to preserve and protect freedom, and this Defense bill ensures we’re capable of doing just that.”
Key provisions secured by Rep. Garcia in the bill include:
– Junior Enlisted Pay Raise: $2.5 billion increase to facilitate a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops (E1-E4).
– B-21 Raider Procurement: Full funding for the Air Force’s B-21 Raider procurement.
– Critical Classified Programs residing in CA-27 and throughout LA County.
– U-2S Retirement Prohibition Language: Prohibits divestment of U-2 aircraft.
– US-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation: $80 million increase for anti-tunneling cooperation with Israel.
– US-Israel Emerging Technology Cooperation: $47.5 million increase for joint emerging technology initiatives with Israel.
– US-Israel Counter UAS and Directed Energy Cooperation: $55 million increase to bolster counter-UAS efforts with Israel.
– Combatting China: $200 million for Taiwan’s international security cooperation programs.
– Countering the Fentanyl Crisis: $1.14 billion for drug interdiction activities.
– Therapeutic Dog Training Program: $16 million increase to support therapeutic service dog training by America’s VetDogs.
