Pulaski Times

Congress has approved a defense bill that includes funding for the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 authorizes over $895 billion for national security.

The bill was passed with a vote of 281-140 in the House on December 11 and an 85-14 vote in the Senate a week later. Arkansas lawmakers, including Womack, Cotton, and Senator John Boozman, supported the bill. Womack emphasized its importance for national safety, security, and strengthening the armed forces.

Senator Boozman highlighted that the bill not only enhances national security but also extends support to military personnel. "Providing for our national defense is one of Congress’ primary responsibilities, particularly at an incredibly volatile time around the globe," Boozman stated. He added that supporting military personnel and their families through better pay, housing, childcare, and other opportunities is crucial. The bill aims to improve recruitment efforts, enhance deterrence capabilities against adversaries, invest in the defense industrial base, and ensure readiness and lethality are prioritized by the Pentagon.

Boozman expressed satisfaction with the bill's provisions for vital missions and defense industrial support in Arkansas. He noted that it is now headed to the president’s desk to become law.