U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a 3.8% pay raise for military members and provisions aimed at supporting Kentucky’s defense sector, such as the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD). The NDAA is designed to advance national security priorities and implements spending reforms, border security measures, and efforts to counter threats from China.
“The Department of War has never been stronger because this year’s NDAA delivers on President Trump’s vision of building a feared and focused military. Under President Trump, we are getting DEI and ESG out of the military and getting back to the core mission of putting American national security first. It’s no wonder why military recruitment is surging under this President’s leadership. I’m proud to support our military and secure major wins for Kentucky, including for the Blue Grass Army Depot in this NDAA,” said Congressman Barr.
The legislation makes permanent $20 billion in cuts through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative supported by Barr as part of his role in the Congressional DOGE Caucus. The bill also bans funding for Critical Race Theory instruction within the military, eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the Department of War, and cancels climate change programs previously operated by that department—measures Barr has backed in earlier versions of the NDAA.
Barr added specific protections for Kentuckians working at BGAD. One provision prohibits reductions in civilian personnel employed there. Another requires an assessment by the Department of War on how dependence on China or other foreign countries for shipping container production could affect national security; it also calls for creating a domestic production facility at BGAD.
Andy Barr represents Kentucky’s 6th district in Congress after replacing Ben Chandler in 2013. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, where he currently lives. Before serving in Congress, Barr served in the Kentucky House of Representatives. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA and earned a JD from the University of Kentucky College of Law.
