Rep. Tony Gonzales Delivers Key Wins for Military in Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) secured major victories for the military and his district in the $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 that passed the House today. 

The annual must-pass legislation authorizes pay raises and quality of life improvements for U.S. troops, enhances military readiness to deter threats like China, and funds key construction projects in Gonzales' 23rd congressional district of Texas.

"This NDAA delivers on my top priorities of supporting our warfighters, getting tough on China, and investing in military infrastructure back home," Gonzales said after the 350-80 bipartisan vote.

For service members, the bill provides a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel, boosting allowances for housing and food. It expands access to childcare, mental health providers, and medical care while improving oversight of military housing programs.

The legislation also makes it easier for military spouses to transfer professional licenses when relocating and increases employment support services.

On the national security front, the NDAA takes steps to prevent Chinese espionage, expedite cutting-edge technology for the military, bolster Taiwan's defenses, and increase Indo-Pacific force posture in response to Beijing's aggression.  

It also expands U.S.-Israel cooperation through joint military exercises, missile defense funding, anti-tunnel technology development and other programs.

Closer to home for Gonzales' district, the bill greenlights over $174 million for key projects at Texas military bases:

- $50+ million for new housing, classrooms and dining facility at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio
- $44 million for a rail yard at Fort Bliss in El Paso  
- $38 million for a T-7 trainer facility at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio
- $24 million for restructuring military housing at Lackland
- $18 million for a T-7 maintenance facility at Laughlin

"Investing in top-notch infrastructure at these vital bases is key to supporting our military families and the training of the next generation of warriors," Gonzales stated.

The bill also implements a plan to raise the Family Supplemental Allowance for troops from $250 to $400 per month - the first increase since 2004 after Gonzales advocated for it last year.

While authorizing increased defense spending, the NDAA looks to rein in wasteful spending by cutting $30 billion from inefficient programs and underperforming services.

The Senate is expected to take up the NDAA later this summer before sending it to the President's desk to be signed into law.