Scott Statement on NDAA Vote

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“South Carolina is pivotal to our nation’s military training and readiness. In an effort to bolster our armed services, I successfully fought to raise pay for our servicemembers, revitalize defense infrastructure, and rid our military of woke policies,” said Senator Scott. “I am proud to support this year’s NDAA. As chaos unravels on the global stage, it is vital that we equip our servicemembers and military with the necessary resources to deter threats at home and abroad, while we continue to support our allies in the face of aggression.” 

The FY25 NDAA authorizes $182.7 billion to support our servicemembers, which is $865.1 million more than requested. The funding includes a 4.5 percent pay increase for military personnel and a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers. 

The bill prohibits funding for Critical Race Theory (CRT)-related teaching, training, and promotion, including at service academies and Department of Defense schools. It also freezes hiring at the Department of Defense for one year and defunds more than $50 million in Department of Defense DEI programming — instead directing those funds toward counter-narcotics.

The bill also invests in a new Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South Command and Control Facility to detect and interdict illegal migrants and narcotics. Its investments support the deployment of the National Guard to increase Border Patrol activities at the southwestern border. 

Senator Scott’s key wins secured in the passage of the FY25 NDAA:

Senator Scott successfully secured passage of HBCU-Africa Partnership Act through final passage of the FY25 NDAA, which highlights HBCUs’ key role of strengthening ties with Sub-Saharan Africa in democracy, education, trade, and resource management. It encourages partnerships and exchanges with HBCUs to build expertise in critical sectors and directs agencies to help HBCUs secure federal grants. The FY25 NDAA also authorizes over $100 million for HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

Senator Scott also secured passage of U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act and F-16 Simulator Payment Plan (for McEntire JNG) through the FY25 NDAA.

The below provisions, championed by Senator Scott, strengthen national security and address local priorities:

• $33.0 million for an Aeromedical Evacuation Facility at Joint Base Charleston (USAF Reserve)
• $72.05 million for new Ambulatory Care Clinic (Dental) at Parris Island (Navy/USMC)
• $31.5 million for a new Fuel Pier at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (Navy/USMC)
• $75.33 million for Plutonium Pit Production at the Savannah River Site (SRS) (DOE/NNSA)
• $1.20 billion for the SRS Plutonium Process Facility (DOE/NNSA) 
• $400.54 million for the SRS Risk Management Operations (DOE/NNSA) 

South Carolina specific provisions included in the FY25 NDAA can be found below:

• $88.0 million for Reception Complex, Ph2, at Fort Jackson — extension of 2020 authorization.
• $122.6 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort — extension of 2022 authorization.
• $15.0 million for National Guard Readiness Center at Joint Base Charleston — extension of 2021 authorization. 

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