House lawmakers passed their annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), advancing a package that would authorize a roughly $1.15 trillion Pentagon spending level, propose renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” and set the stage for a 5%–7% military pay raise, according to Federal News Network. The bill now heads to the Senate, where major differences must be resolved before anything becomes law.
- Bill: House-passed NDAA (annual defense policy bill)
- Topline funding: About $1.15 trillion Pentagon spending level, per Federal News Network
- Pay provision: Proposed 5%–7% pay raise for service members (details and final percentage still subject to negotiations)
- Agency rename proposal: Would rename the Department of Defense to the “Department of War”
- Next steps: Senate action required; then a House-Senate conference (or other reconciliation) and final passage before going to the president
- Outlook: Federal News Network reported the package faces partisan disputes, increasing the likelihood of changes or dropped provisions during negotiations
Brief context
The NDAA is Congress’ must-pass annual defense authorization bill that sets policy and authorizes programs across the Department of Defense, including end strength, acquisition priorities, and military personnel policies. While it can signal congressional intent on pay and benefits, authorization is not the same as appropriations—separate funding legislation is still required to provide budget authority.
Federal News Network reported the House package backs a Pentagon spending level of about $1.15 trillion and includes a proposal to rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” a provision likely to draw scrutiny in the Senate. The bill also contains a proposed 5%–7% military pay raise, but the final pay outcome will depend on what the Senate passes and what negotiators agree to in a final compromise.
What it means for you
For active-duty and reserve service members, the pay-raise language is an early marker—not a final guarantee. Until the Senate acts and a final NDAA is enacted (and any required funding bills are passed), your 2025 pay tables and monthly base pay won’t change.
If you’re trying to estimate what a 5%–7% raise could mean in dollars for your household budget, you can run scenarios using the FERS retirement calculator (helpful for projecting how higher basic pay could affect future retirement calculations for those who later enter federal civilian service under FERS).
Source: Federal News Network