WASHINGTON — The U.S.House passed on Wednesday a $895.2 billion National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 281-140. All five of Oklahoma’s representatives voted in favor of the spending package that includes quality-of-life improvements, service member pay raises and authorization for two construction projects in Oklahoma.

Improvements in Oklahoma: The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant and the Shawnee Readiness Center would see improvements.

• The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant would receive $79 million for an ammunition demolition facility.
• The Army National Guard is slated for $29 million to construct a 48,000-square-foot readiness center.

According to the Army National Guard’s fiscal year 2025 budget estimate, the 160th Field Artillery Regiment’s current Shawnee facility has inadequate space as well as asbestos and plumbing, HVAC and electrical issues.

The new facility would help solve these issues and be used five days a week for administrative tasks with two-day training sessions two to three times a month.

According to the 2025 budget estimate, construction would begin in April 2025 and be completed by April 2027.

Quality of life improvements: Service members would receive a pay raise alongside investments in childcare and education.

• Junior enlisted members with E-1 to E-4 pay grades would receive a 14.5% raise. All other service members would receive a 4.5% raise.
• Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, the president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America, told CQ Roll Call, that the raise is “life-changing” and the largest targeted pay raise in a quarter century.
• Over $176 million is budgeted for the design and construction of new childcare centers.
• Over $110 million would be authorized for new schools for children of service members.

While the NDAA authorizes the spending, the funds are not yet appropriated. The funds would have to be appropriated in the forthcoming continuing resolution or an appropriations bill that might not come until March.

The NDAA still needs Senate approval. Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota) said he expects the bill to reach the Senate floor early next week.

Kevin Eagleson is reporting from Gaylord News’ Washington bureau this fall as part of an OU Daily scholarship.

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.  For more stories by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net