WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) voted in favor of a bill that included the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. This appropriations bill builds on previous efforts to strengthen the quality of life of our military personnel and their families, provides key investments in shipbuilding and critical munitions programs, and supports the development of cutting-edge equipment.
“As threats from adversaries grow around the world, we have to ensure our military can deter conflict and win if needed,” said Rep. Wittman. “This year’s defense appropriations legislation provides the necessary support for critical procurement initiatives — such as aircraft, shipbuilding, and munitions — so that our servicemembers have the tools they need to carry out their missions and protect the values and freedoms we hold so dearly. I was proud to support this legislation, which invests in readiness today so that we can meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
This appropriations bill delivers $839.2 billion in funding and accomplishes the following:
Support Those Who Serve By:
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Providing all servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise
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Reducing the frequency of Permanent Change of Station moves to keep military families in one location for longer
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Invests in military living quarters, including $130 million for the Marine Corps Barracks 2030 initiative
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Supports the construction of additional Fisher Houses that support military families facing illnesses or hospitalization
Strengthening Military Procurement:
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Provides $7.6 billion for 47 F-35 aircraft for the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps
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Funds $913 million for UH/HH-60M helicopters, many of which are based across Virginia
Driving Innovation Through Research and Development:
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Provides $972 million to continue development of the F/A-XX, the Navy’s future 6th-generation fighter
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Invests $1.1 billion for the Air Force’s new early warning and control aircraft, the E-7 Wedgetail
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Includes $4.3 billion for the Office of Strategic Capital to provide loans to promising new defense technology developments
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Funds the Defense Innovation Unit at $429.5 million to accelerate innovation and bring solutions from concept to reality
The bill includes the following funding priorities championed by Rep. Wittman:
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Increases funding by $41 million for Project Pele, which supports advancements in nuclear power development
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Strengthens domestic supply chains by providing a $20 million increase for TRISO fuel
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Includes an additional $30 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program
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Advances drone defense capabilities by allocating $5 million for the Counter-UAS Testing and Research Center at Virginia Tech
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Increases funding by $45 million for State Space Launch Ranges Services and Capabilities to support operations at the Virginia Spaceport Authority