Briefs

Rep. Malliotakis votes for National Defense Bill, praising pay raises for NYC-based servicemembers

June 14, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Share this:

CAPITOL HILL — The GOP-led House of Representatives on Friday, June 14, passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual military-focus bill passed for the following fiscal year, in this case 2025. The Hill reports that Congress’ lower chamber cleared the $883.7 billion measure mostly along partisan lines: the vote being 217-199, with six Democrats endorsing and three Republicans opposing. Although the defense renewal bills usually receive bipartisan support, none of the Democrats from the Brooklyn delegation voted for this year’s version.

Brooklyn’s lone Republican Congressmember, Nicole Malliotakis (11th District/southwestern Brooklyn), who voted for the defense bill, touted the pay and housing allowance raised for junior enlisted officers who have needed financial assistance. She pointed out Ft. Wadsworth in Staten Island in particular but did not mention by name the Fort Hamilton army base here in Brooklyn.

The Democrat-controlled Senate and its Armed Services Committee —which has drafted its own version with an expected July release date — will probably table the current version because it opposes several amendments related to abortion, transgender rights, and the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

✰✰✰