South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim of California has expressed her support for the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, known as the FY2025 NDAA. The act, officially referred to as S. Amdt. to H.R. 5009, aims to enhance military readiness and address national security concerns.

Rep. Kim emphasized the importance of military recruitment, retention, and readiness in light of what she termed as threats from "the Unholy Alliance – the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran." She stated that these entities seek to disrupt global stability. "We must promote peace through strength," said Rep. Young Kim. "I’m proud to support this bipartisan FY25 NDAA that prioritizes servicemember quality of life and military preparedness."

The legislation includes several measures intended to bolster troop support and national security. Among these are a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% raise for all other troops. It also focuses on strengthening border security by supporting the Joint Interagency Task Force South Command and Control Facility in detecting illegal migrants and narcotics.

Furthermore, the act seeks to deter aggression from the Chinese Communist Party by backing the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and INDOPACOM Commander priorities. It authorizes full funding for joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling, along with a missile interceptor whose production was previously halted by the Biden administration.

Additionally, it mandates oversight by subjecting Department of Defense components to independent audits while eliminating inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and contractor waste—a move projected to save taxpayers $31 billion.