House approves $900B defense bill with major North Carolina investments
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a major defence spending package worth $900.6 billion. The bill includes funding for military bases in North Carolina, pay raises for service members, and new technology research. It passed with a strong majority but faced opposition from some lawmakers on both sides.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2021 secured 312 votes in favour, with 112 against. Among those opposing it were 18 Republicans and 93 Democrats. North Carolina’s delegation mostly supported the measure, with only Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee voting against it. Republican Reps. Virginia Foxx, Addison McDowell, David Rouzer, Rev. Mark Harris, Pat Harrigan, Chuck Edwards, Brad Knott, and Tim Moore backed the bill, alongside Democrats Don Davis, Deborah Ross, and Alma Adams.
The legislation allocates significant funds to North Carolina’s military installations. Fort Bragg will receive $400.8 million across seven projects, including $145 million for a Special Operations Forces ammunition supply point. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is set for $54 million for a child development centre and $41 million for a Combat Arms Training Complex. Marine Corps bases will also benefit, with $90 million for an operations facility at Camp Lejeune and $40 million for an F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center at Cherry Point. The bill also addresses personnel and equipment changes. North Carolina’s 91,000 active service members will see a 3.8% pay increase, particularly helping junior enlisted troops. Additionally, F-15E aircraft may be relocated from Seymour Johnson, with replacements depending on final NDAA approval. The package further codifies 15 of Trump’s executive orders and 30 legislative proposals, while directing $142 billion toward research and development of new military technologies. The Senate will now review the defence appropriation package before it moves to the president’s desk for final approval.
The approved bill ensures funding for key military projects, pay rises for troops, and advancements in defence technology. North Carolina’s bases will see major investments, while the Senate’s next steps will determine the final outcome. The legislation reflects ongoing bipartisan cooperation on national defence priorities.
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