Emerald Coast Times

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), issued a statement applauding the committee’s passage of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes over $240 million for Northwest Florida’s military mission, with more than $191 million allocated for military construction—the largest amount secured by any member. The NDAA will now proceed to the House floor for final passage.

Rep. Gaetz successfully secured $98.5 million in the committee-passed NDAA for the Advanced Helicopter Training System Hangar at NAS Whiting Field, intended for TH-73 helicopters used by the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard to train pilots. Additionally, he secured a provision directing the Secretary of the Navy to implement a plan for repair or replacement of Hangar 3260B on NAS Pensacola, which was damaged by Hurricane Sally.

Furthermore, Rep. Gaetz obtained an additional $42 million to enhance the testing capability of the Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range (EGTTR) and address funding gaps. The committee adopted his amendment to make EGTTR fully operational again for hypersonic missile testing in nearly 120,000 square miles of overwater airspace.

In response to the NDAA passing out of committee, Rep. Gaetz stated: “Last night’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act out of committee was a major victory for Northwest Florida’s Military Mission and will further cement our reputation as America’s premier location for military training.

"My funding priorities this year include $191.3 million for military construction at the military bases and training facilities throughout Florida’s First District, in addition to $42 million to modernize the Eastern Gulf Test & Training Range infrastructure and address funding gaps. I was also successful in securing funds for realistic targets for testing and training on advanced 5th and 6th generation weapons.

"As the NDAA advances to the House floor, I remain dedicated to advocating for the welfare and interests of our nation's service men and women,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Below are some provisions Rep. Gaetz successfully secured in the committee-passed NDAA:

- Requirement for the Secretary of the Navy to implement a plan for repair or replacement of Hangar 3260B that houses the Blue Angels.

- $98.5 million to continue building the Advanced Helicopter Training System Hangar at NAS Whiting Field.

- $49.8 million to construct a four-story Weapons Technology Integration Center at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB).

- $16.9 million to construct a multi-level facility housing both headquarters of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing and a separate facility accommodating the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB.

- $16.5 million for constructing Hurricane Restoration Consolidated (A) School Dorm at NAS Pensacola.

- $9.6 million to construct an Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate HC-BLACKFYRE Advanced Weapons Experimentation Complex at Eglin AFB.

- $12 million to modernize EGTTR infrastructure.

- $30 million to maximize EGTTR’s testing capability and address short-term non-hypersonic related funding gaps.

- $7 million to fund realistic high-fidelity targets for testing advanced weapons systems.

- Elimination of ban on entering military service after testing positive for marijuana use.

- Requirement for strategy implementation leasing dormitory/housing units for unaccompanied service members.

- Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) reform regarding treatment of criminal records.

- Requirement that UCMJ courts-martial jury verdicts be unanimous starting in 2025 instead of 2027.

- Requirement that DoD study fish skin grafts use in wound care.

- Requirement that DoD study PTSD and TBI prevalence among explosive ordnance disposal personnel.

- Report on Test Range Deception Capabilities.

- Implementation force protection protocol for U.S. Navy Ships under maintenance in port.

- Pilot program improving soldier survivability during airborne operations.

- Assured access Space Common Operating Picture initiative.

- Exemption under Marine Mammal Protection Act allowing certain activities impacting Rice's whale incidental take, enabling DoD weapon testing resumption in EGTTR.

For updates, subscribe to Congressman Gaetz’s newsletter here.

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