Congress Passes Defense Spending Bill with Pay Raise, Ukraine Funding

The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act has been passed by both the House and Senate, authorizing a 5.2% pay raise for service members and civilian defense employees. The bill also includes provisions such as increased family separation allowance and changes to eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance. Additionally, the act authorizes the Navy to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for submarines and allows the Department of Defense to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for rare earth elements. The Pentagon urges Congress to pass its supplemental budget request to support American partner nations and invest in the defense industrial base.