SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has voted in favor of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The legislation includes several provisions that Budd has secured, aimed at protecting military assets and improving servicemembers' quality of life.

One significant provision prevents the Air Force from divesting F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base until 2027. The decision follows the involvement of North Carolina’s 335th Fighter Squadron in defending Israel by intercepting drones and missiles from Iran earlier this year. Senator Budd highlighted that these aircraft have substantial service life remaining and have recently undergone costly upgrades.

In committee hearings, top military officials praised the F-15E's capabilities, describing them as "phenomenal" and "critical" for operations in various regions. Additionally, Budd introduced a measure to stop TRICARE from covering transgender medical procedures deemed potentially harmful to children.

Further achievements for North Carolina include a 4.5% pay raise for servicemembers, $296 million allocated for military construction projects, increased production of Infantry Squad Vehicles, and investment in local research and development.

Senator Budd expressed his commitment to strengthening national security: “North Carolina represents the core of what makes our nation strong... I will continue to fight to make sure that the future for Seymour Johnson and the Goldsboro community is bright.”

The bill authorizes significant funding across various military installations in North Carolina:

- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will receive funds for facilities including a Composite Repair Facility.

- Camp Lejeune is set to gain new Special Operations Forces infrastructure.

- Fort Liberty will see enhancements such as an Arms Room Addition.

- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is authorized funds for a Combat Arms Training Complex.

The act also focuses on broader national security measures like deterring China by prohibiting certain technologies associated with Chinese companies within U.S. defense contracts. It emphasizes U.S.-Israel cooperation through funding missile defense initiatives following recent terrorist attacks on Israel.

Other provisions championed by Senator Budd include pay raises for junior enlisted service members, improvements in munitions supply chains, and steps toward better budgeting processes within the Department of Defense (DOD).

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