Springfield Standard

Senator Eric Schmitt has announced significant achievements for Missouri's military facilities and various defense sectors in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, which is now awaiting presidential approval, aims to provide essential resources to military installations in Missouri, enhance cyber resilience within the Department of Defense, and counteract challenges posed by China.

"The NDAA represents one of the most basic functions of government: providing for the national defense," stated Senator Schmitt. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that Missouri's military and national security installations have the necessary resources to operate efficiently. Schmitt also highlighted his efforts to eliminate divisive policies and promote a culture of merit within the Armed Forces. "This year’s NDAA is a big win for Missouri and continues to ensure we remain the most lethal and capable fighting force in the world, especially as we continue to face down our greatest adversary, The People’s Republic of China."

The NDAA includes several provisions introduced by Senator Schmitt aimed at improving servicemembers' quality of life, advancing geospatial research, strengthening cyber defenses, fostering innovation in commercial spaceflight, and more. These provisions are set to become law once signed by the President.

Key initiatives include a Geospatial Workforce Pilot Program intended to develop skilled personnel in geospatial technologies for defense intelligence needs. This program may be hosted at NGA West. Additionally, there is support for critical minerals research at Missouri S&T through grants that could position Missouri as a leader in advanced battery production.

The legislation extends a hiring freeze on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professionals within the Department of Defense for another year. It also prolongs a moratorium on FAA regulations concerning commercial human spaceflight by three years, allowing further innovation under existing frameworks.

Further measures involve enhancing financial literacy training for transitioning servicemembers through the SMART Save Act and fully funding the Rip & Replace—Secure and Trusted Networks Reimbursement Program. This program seeks to eliminate Chinese telecommunications equipment from American networks using proceeds from an FCC spectrum auction.

The Defense Technology Reporting Parity Act addresses cybersecurity concerns related to Chinese security laws by requiring companies with DoD contracts that operate in China to report vulnerabilities similarly to their U.S.-based operations.

Lastly, an amendment restores purchasing authority regarding cybersecurity services back to individual DoD components instead of centralized decision-making by DoD-CIO.

Funding secured by Senator Schmitt includes $120 million for Advanced Individual Training Barracks at Fort Leonard Wood and $19.5 million for Whiteman Air Force Base. Additional allocations are directed towards Boeing St. Louis projects such as F-15 EX procurement ($2.7 billion), F/A-18 procurement ($28.6 million), MQ-25 Stingray procurement ($553 million), and T-7 procurement ($235 million).