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Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the Democratic ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, urged lawmakers not to "undercut those efforts" by the DOD to recruit from a diverse talent pool. "We need to be able to access all the talent in this country," he said. "Not just white men. We need to recruit women. We need to recruit from communities of color. We need to recruit from the LGBT community. That is crucial to making sure we have the talent we need."

Quality of Life and Military Enhancements

Quality of life provisions in the bill include restoring the basic housing allowance for troops to 100% of average regional housing costs, reversing a 2016 cut, and more than $1.1 billion to improve housing conditions at military barracks. The bill also funds child care fee assistance programs, recruitment and retention of child care workers, a permanent paid fellowship program for military spouses, and a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members.

Additionally, the bill allocates $32.4 billion for shipbuilding, restores funding for a second Virginia-class submarine in 2025, and requires the Navy to complete detailed design assessments before starting new ship construction. It authorizes the purchase of 58 F-35 fighter jets, 10 fewer than requested by the White House, with funds redirected to resolve ongoing F-35 development and production issues.

Future Steps and Senate Reconciliation

The White House expressed qualified support for the bill but objected to certain provisions, including those related to DEI, climate change, and the establishment of a drone corps within the Army. The Senate Armed Services Committee marked up its version of the 2025 NDAA in closed sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, with a summary of that bill expected later on Friday.