Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on House passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense appropriations bill:

“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, my goal has been to support and fund our nation’s military. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) work is critical to deterring aggressors and ensuring our national security,” said Dr. Cuellar. “The FY25 Defense appropriations bill ensures the DOD has the resources it needs, including a 4.5% pay raise for servicemembers. Members of Congress must work together to reach a bipartisan agreement that provides for our defense community. Doing so means our servicemembers can do their jobs well and come home safely. While I didn't vote for this bill, I will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to ensure this legislation becomes bipartisan."

Specifically, Dr. Cuellar helped secure:

• 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel
• $2,500,000,000 for an additional 15% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers
• $50,000,000 for Impact Aid and $20,000,000 for Impact Aid for those with disabilities
• $6,500,000 increase for critical infrastructure for Basic Military Training of Airmen and Guardians on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base
• $25,000,000 for National Guard counterdrug schools
• $41,200,000,000 for DOD medical and health care programs, which includes funding for cancer research, ALS research, and the traumatic brain injury and psychological health research program
  

###