WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement applauding U.S. Senate passage of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which she helped shape to directly respond to challenges facing America’s national security and military readiness. As the second-ranking Democrat on SASC, Senator Shaheen is instrumental in fighting to include provisions that both accomplish top national security objectives and enhance New Hampshire’s role in support of our national defense. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“The annual defense bill is an opportunity to advance our country’s national security goals and address issues facing Granite State families. While I don’t agree with everything in this bipartisan compromise, working across the aisle to bolster our defense, support service members and provide for communities makes our nation stronger and sends an important message to our allies and adversaries,” said Shaheen. “From the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to our innovative defense manufacturing industry, New Hampshire plays an integral role in boosting our national security. That’s why I was proud to secure provisions to support our state’s contributions while also addressing challenges, like tackling PFAS contamination, ensuring access to benefits for service members and supporting our defense industry and installations.”

After passing the U.S. Senate, the bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Below is a summary of top New Hampshire and national security priorities secured by Shaheen in the FY 2025 NDAA.

Critically, the bill authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted (E1-E4) and a 4.5% pay raise for all other service members. This is one of the largest pay raises for junior enlisted service members in history. The bill also addresses the service member cost of living allowance and expands access to the basic needs allowance.