Scott Celebrates as Senate Committee Approves Defense Spending Bill

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this week.

Passing the SASC was a major legislative hurdle for the NDAA, which seems likely to be approved by the Senate in the coming days. 

SASC Senators voted 22 to 3 to approve the bill in a bipartisan show of unity.

The House of Representatives approved the NDAA earlier this month along party lines. 

US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), a member of SASC, applauded the NDAA’s passage and claimed it was beneficial for Florida.

“Each year, I have fought to include big wins for Florida and U.S. national security in the NDAA, and this year’s bill is a massive accomplishment that reflects the priorities of Florida families,” said Scott.

If the NDAA becomes law, Florida service-members will receive pay raises and expanded access to childcare.

Additionally, construction of a Child Development Center in the Panhandle will begin.

“The United States is at a critical moment where military strength is essential to preserving our national security and fending off the threats of tyranny and terrorism that are rising around the globe,”continued Sott.

The NDAA would also affect South Florida’s Homestead Air Reserve Base by extending the current joint use prohibition until 2028.

The extension ensures the base is exclusively used for military purposes, rejecting the recent push for permitting civilian use of the facilities.

Other provisions of the NDAA include prohibitions on military purchases of Chinese technology and produce, additional aid for Israel, and environmental protection regulations.