The Importance of the FY26 NDAA
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 ensures we have a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries. It fulfills an agenda of “Peace through Strength” and reflects our ongoing work to strengthen our national defense and security. As we examine the actions that took place during Operation Absolute Resolve, it is imperative that our troops continue to have the resources they need to work across branches and undertake joint operations with upmost precision and effectiveness. The NDAA is one of the most important bills Congress takes up each year, and I was proud to support it.
The legislation authorizes key defense programs and restores our military’s focus on lethality, merit, and accountability. It codifies fifteen of President Trump’s executive orders, along with more than thirty legislative proposals requested by the Administration. A major focus in this year’s bill is expanding on progress made last year and improving the quality of life for the men and women who serve our nation. To that end, it includes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and strengthens support for military families across the force. It expands housing and childcare assistance to ensure families have the stability they deserve.
This legislation also helps protect our homeland. It supports the deployment of troops to our southwest border to help prevent illegal immigration and halt the flow of dangerous drugs entering our country. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we have stopped millions of illegal immigrants who entered under the prior administration. This bill will ensure we continue to have historically low border crossings.
There are seventeen key provisions in the NDAA from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, where I serve as a commissioner. These include provisions that require the Department to develop a strategy to govern the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies. We also establish a new Biotechnology Management Office as well as new biotech leads within the intelligence agencies. This will allow for greater coordination among the federal government and our key partners in the private sector.
Finally, we take major steps in reforming our slow, outdated, and broken acquisition system. For far too long, our acquisition system has faced burdens and barriers, with many new systems getting approved after their effective utilization date. This legislation ensures our warfighters will have cutting edge, next generation capabilities that they need to safeguard our country. This is especially important as we seek to keep pace with near-peer adversaries, like China.
The NDAA is about rebuilding our military, restoring American strength, and ensuring our servicemembers have the tools they need to keep our nation safe. Our warfighters success, like in Venezuela, depend on having the most elite technology which benefits the world’s most elite fighting force.
Contact: Wesley Harkins
Phone: (202) 225-2132