2025 NDAA legislation passed by Senate Armed Services Committee last week

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Our country’s national defense may be getting a boost.

The Senate Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act last week.

Military members would receive a boost as well in the form of a 4.5 percent pay raise and back pay for any promotions that were impacted by holds in the Senate.

In addition, the legislation includes funding of $282 million for military construction projects supporting the B-21 Raider at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Some of those projects could include the B-21 flight simulator facility squadron operations receiving $44 million and another $105 million going toward the B-21 weapons generation facility.

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds believes America’s safety is in good hands.

“Probably the most technologically advanced aircraft ever built, that were able to solve a lot of the technology issues. And this will protect America literally for 50 years and some of the weapon systems that it will carry haven’t even been developed yet,” Rounds said.

The legislation would also introduce language for the protection of innovative artificial intelligence within the Department of Defense.

The bill is headed to the full Senate for consideration.

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