Rutherford Statement on FY25 Defense Appropriations Bill Passage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the markup and passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bill by the House Appropriations Committee:

“This year’s Defense Appropriations bill provides funding to refocus the Department of Defense on its core responsibilities: equipping a combat-ready military force, countering the Chinese Communist Party and other adversaries, investing in innovation within our military, and supporting our allies like Israel. 

“Specifically, the bill stops the flow of fentanyl and synthetic drugs into our country, enhances our military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, and invests in next-generation fighter aircraft, helicopters, tactical combat vehicles, and submarines. The bill also prohibits President Biden’s promotion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and defunds controversial climate change executive orders and regulations that have no place in our military.

“These are huge wins for our military, our country, and Northeast Florida. That’s why I am proud to report this year’s Defense Appropriations bill out of committee and hope to see strong support for the bill on the House Floor.”

Please find the House Appropriations Committee’s bill summary here.