WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) supported Texas’ defense priorities during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Jackson issued the following statement in support of the legislation, which passed out of committee by a vote of 57-1. The NDAA is expected to be considered on the House Floor in the coming weeks.

Rep. Jackson said: “I am proud to announce that the House Armed Services Committee markup conducted this week for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act was extremely beneficial for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District, including measures that seek to strengthen and modernize Pantex, support crucial work done at Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, and facilitate vital improvements at Sheppard Air Force Base. This year’s NDAA also takes significant strides toward improving the quality of life for our servicemembers by drastically improving compensation and upgrading living quarters. This bill will bolster our defense capabilities, modernize the force, and ensure that we are prepared to deter and, if necessary, defeat China in an armed conflict. Thank you to Chairman Mike Rogers for his exemplary leadership in shepherding an extremely strong NDAA that once passed, will have a lasting impact for our warfighters, their families, and the overall strength of our military.”

HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said: “Rep. Jackson is a fierce advocate for the brave men and women who serve at Sheppard Air Force Base. I thank Rep. Jackson for his continued leadership on the House Armed Services Committee to strengthen our military, improve the quality of life for military families, support Army aviation, and bolster the modernization of our nuclear deterrent.”

Topline Wins:

• Drastically improves the quality of life for servicemembers by boosting compensation, improving housing, expanding access to health and childcare, and providing support for military spouses
• Fully supports modernization of our nuclear deterrent, greatly benefiting Pantex
• Provides the military with the resources necessary to confront China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea
• Bolsters Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District’s role in our national security

Amarillo:

• Authorizes funding and provides support for the Pantex Plant

            o  $15m for the completion of the High Explosive Science & Engineering Facility

            o $20m for the continued development of the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility, continuing the rejection of the Biden administration’s efforts to cancel the project

            o $36m for the construction of a new Analytic Gas Laboratory

            o Requires a review of material staging needs and directs a plan be provided for the construction of a new Material Staging Facility

            o Works to address the maintenance and repair delays at Pantex 

            o Takes steps to modernize the defensive infrastructure at the site and implement counter-drone technologies

            o Reviews and requires an update to the Pantex Plant’s protocols for dealing with natural disasters like polar vortexes, tornados, and wildfires

            o Funds critical nuclear modernization priorities including the Sentinel and B-21 Raider programs

• Provides strong support for the workforce at Bell Helicopter

            o Ensures critical U.S. Marine Corps H-1 Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade work happens in Amarillo

            o Fully funds the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program and the continued development of the Bell V-280 Valor

            o Directs the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command to review opportunities to utilize the Bell V-280 Valor

            o Supports an additional $125m for critical safety upgrades for V-22 Osprey aircraft, including the Nacelle Improvement and Osprey Drive System Safety and Health Information programs

            o Supports the development of next-generation runway-independent aircraft

            o Blocked harmful language that negatively impacted the CMV-22B’s operations

• Includes funding and language for unmanned aircraft development in Amarillo
• Requires a briefing on DOD and USDA’s efforts to counter threats to the critical infrastructure of our nation’s food supply
• Highlights the national security needs for helium and the key role the Texas Panhandle plays in that while ensuring there is a responsible transfer to the private sector

Kevin Carter, President and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, said: “Thank you to Congressman Jackson for his steadfast leadership delivering for the people of Amarillo once again in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. He secured provisions that will invest millions of dollars here in Amarillo for Bell Helicopter, the Pantex Plant, and newly developing small businesses like Albers Aerospace. This year’s bill will also direct key research to be conducted to counter threats to our nation’s food supply, which is key for our communities. I appreciate Congressman Jackson being a champion for the city of Amarillo and the workforce he represents.”

Lisa Atherton, President and CEO of Bell Flight, said: “Bell truly appreciates Congressman Jackson’s unwavering support for the V-22 in the FY25 NDAA, which will provide the warfighter a more operationally ready aircraft, with unmatched capability across all theaters and will continue to advance tiltrotor technology.  The Bell Amarillo Assembly Center will play an important role in supporting the Joint Force for years to come as the nucleus of the tiltrotor industrial base. Tiltrotor aircraft provide the DoD operational advantages that otherwise would not be possible.”

Wichita Falls/Sheppard Air Force Base:

• Directs the establishment of a Technical Training Center of Excellence as part of Airman Development Command, which Sheppard Air Force Base is well positioned to be selected for
• Mandates a detailed update be provided to Congress on the construction of the child development center at Sheppard Air Force Base and seeks to mitigate the impact of the delay
• Authorizes funding for the continued development of the T-7A Red Hawk
• Requires a review of undergraduate pilot training initiatives and efforts to modernize the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program
• Highlights the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) issues at Sheppard Air Force Base and requires an update from the Secretary of Defense on the BAH rates for the Wichita Falls area
• Explores opportunities to utilize large-scale 3D printing for structures at Sheppard Air Force Base to provide modern facilities without the delays of the formal military construction process
• Ensures the U.S. Air Force continues to utilize predictive analytics as Air Education and Training Command transitions to Airman Development Command
• Updates TRICARE policies to provide better notification processes for beneficiaries and sponsors
• Empowers military spouses to have better access to required TRICARE information for their children
• Requires the Department of Defense to update housing policies for pregnant servicemembers
• Allows servicemembers to participate in patriotic displays occurring prior to major sporting events like the Super Bowl or World Cup

Glenn Barham, President of the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee, said: “Once again, Congressman Jackson’s work on the NDAA includes numerous provisions that will directly benefit Sheppard Air Force Base, the Wichita Falls community, and notably seek to improve the quality of life for all the great service members and their families. I was thrilled to see included language that would potentially designate Sheppard as the “Tech Training Center of Excellence” and provisions that will support the base’s pilot training. This NDAA will without a doubt support Sheppard Air Force Base and our nation’s overall readiness. Thank you to my friend Congressman Jackson for his continued leadership in fighting for Sheppard Air Force Base in this year’s NDAA.”

Modernizes the Force and Confronts Adversaries:

• Reestablishes the position of the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps
• Brings the Surgeon General of the U.S. Navy to the same rank as the Surgeons General of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force
• Requires a study on how to support the industrial base and workforce for building and maintaining naval vessels
• Mandates a study be conducted on the implementation of a naval blockade of shipments of fossil fuels to China in the event of an armed conflict
• Includes important provisions to support the development and acquisition of new technologies to address rapidly emerging threats
• Supports efforts for the Department of Defense to collaborate with universities like Texas A&M on key research modernization efforts like the development of hypersonic weapons
• Prohibits any funds from being provided to the Taliban under any circumstances
• Requires all military officers to receive training on the U.S. Constitution
• Studies the U.S. Navy’s new policy of reduced educational requirements to be considered for enlistment standards for any long-term impacts
• Correctly restores the apolitical nature of the Office of the Attending Physician to the Congress
• Creates a pathway for service academy applicants who are denied admission to apply to the six Senior Military Colleges, including Texas A&M

John Sharp, Chancellor of Texas A&M University System, said: “We appreciate Congressman Jackson’s efforts to support national security education and innovation. His efforts will help to ensure the Texas A&M System can continue to produce the next generation of military leaders and conduct vital research so those leaders have the tools they need to protect this great nation.”

Support for Israel:

• Establishes the United States and Israel Trauma and Amputee Rehabilitation Education and Training Program to provide critical medical expertise and support for both countries regarding general trauma care and amputee care
• States that it is the policy of the United States to work with Israel to ensure Israel’s defense against Iran and its military proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
• Requires that information is maintained about Israel’s air and missile defense needs and requirements for American resupply
• Highlights concerns about South Africa’s adversarial behavior towards Israel and South Africa’s growing relationship with Iran, Russia, and China
• Confronts Iranian influence in foreign governments and requires information be provided about actions taken by Iranian military proxies in the Middle East

Advocating for Special Operations Forces:

• Prohibits any cuts to special operations forces for two years and explains the risk that would be incurred if any cuts were to take place
• Requires an update on the force structure for Air Force Special Operations Command’s fleet of CV-22 Osprey aircraft
• Provides support for special operations forces operating in the Middle East and Africa by ensuring adequate resourcing and logistical support
• Highlights the critical missions conducted by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and ensures that any issues regarding compensation are addressed in a timely manner
• Reviews USSOCOM’s crisis response budget and seeks to address any funding deficiencies by creating cost-sharing between USSOCOM and other combatant commands
• Seeks to ensure that USSOCOM’s budget is not negatively impacted by the operations of other combatant commands
• Authorizes critical military construction projects for special operations forces