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.
