U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) supported the passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life and National Defense Authorization Act, which allocates significant funds to defense projects in Missouri. The legislation includes updates to Fort Leonard Wood's training barracks and new weapons systems for Whiteman Air Force Base.
Senator Hawley played a key role in removing a preliminary provision from this year's defense bill that would have required women to register for the draft. This language was ultimately excluded from the final version of the legislation.
The bill proposes a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent raise for all other military personnel.
Specific investments in Missouri highlighted in the bill are:
- Nearly $2.5 billion allocated for the F-15EX program produced in St. Louis.
- Approximately $2 billion dedicated to the B-21 Raider, many of which will be stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base.
- $120 million designated for new training barracks at Fort Leonard Wood.
- $19.5 million set aside for new fueling stations at Whiteman Air Force Base.
- Over $4 million allocated for small and medium caliber ammunition production at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence.
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