Today, House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 out of the Committee.
“Today, I am proud to advance this year’s America First defense bill that responsibly and rightfully strengthens our military in the face of the rapidly evolving threats posed by our adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This bill will lead the charge in reforming our broken acquisition system, revitalizing our defense industrial base, and further increasing the readiness, capabilities, and lethality of our fighting force,” said Chairwoman Stefanik.
“As the leading champion for Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, I am pleased to announce that I led the charge on authorizing more than $22 million in additional funding to New York’s 21st District to protect and strengthen the Fort Drum community, support our troops, increase our military readiness, and assist the families of servicemembers. I am proud to support President Trump’s mission of America First Peace Through Strength. The United States must remain the global leader in maintaining a strong national defense and delivering on our promises to our troops by providing a well-deserved pay raise to the brave men and women in uniform as they work to keep us safe.”
The FY26 NDAA authorizes defense spending in line with President Trump’s budget request, investing $892.6 billion to strengthen national security. In addition to the NDAA authorization, there is $150 billion in mandatory defense funding included in what is called One Big Beautiful Bill. This brings total funding available to more than $1 trillion—a nearly 14% increase from FY25.
The House version of NDAA will be brought forward for full debate and passage.
Stefanik secured numerous provisions supporting Fort Drum and related divisions:
– Directs briefing on next-generation weapon systems development.
– Requires report on missile defense systems promotion.
– Provides funding for multi-domain joint operations at Fort Drum.
– Establishes plan for counter-unmanned aircraft systems protection.
For Upstate New York:
– Authorizes millions for Rome Labs’ Future Flag exercises.
– Evaluates Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems deployment.
– Reports on rare earth magnets use within DoD.
– Secures funding for DoD Impact Aid schools.
Supporting servicemembers:
– Supports a 3.8% pay raise.
– Improves housing and education access.
– Funds Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund.
On international cooperation:
– Extends U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation through 2028 with additional funds.
Confronting foreign adversaries:
– Prohibits contracting with Chinese military companies involved with DoD projects.
Emerging technologies:
– Funds next-gen weapons ensuring U.S. remains ahead globally.
National Defense strengthening includes reforms aimed at improving efficiency while enhancing oversight over contractors’ performance metrics.
