WASHINGTON, D.C.—December 10, 2025… Today, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The annual legislation authorizes $900.6 billion to improve servicemember quality of life, secure our borders, bolster our defense systems and equipment, and ensure our military is prepared for the next conflict.
Congressman Womack said, “Maintaining the most lethal and battle-ready military in the world begins with focusing all aspects of our national security enterprise on lethality and readiness. This legislation achieves those goals while also investing in our greatest strength – the men and women who willingly raise their right hands and swear oaths to serve our country. While the FY26 NDAA is a positive step, we cannot stop there. As foreign adversaries continue to expand their capabilities, we must put resources behind these authorizations through full-year defense appropriations.”
Bill highlights:
- Codifies all or parts of 15 Executive Orders issued by President Trump, including:
- Restoring America’s Fighting Force (EO 14185);
- Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border (Proclamation 10886);
- Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base (EO 14265);
- Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security (EO 14299); and
- Unleashing American Drone Dominance (EO 14307).
- Builds on the FY25 NDAA to improve servicemember quality of life, including a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers, as well as reauthorizing and expanding military bonuses and special pays.
- Authorizes $491 million for the construction of new childcare centers and $206 million for new schools for children of servicemembers.
- Fundamentally reforms the defense acquisition system to equip our troops with needed capabilities in the quickest, most cost-effective manner.
- Authorizes the necessary funds for deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border and for the establishment and enforcement of National Defense Areas along the southwest border.
- Requires the Department of the Navy to initiate a nuclear energy pilot program for the use of small modular reactors or mobile reactors.
- Authorizes over $1 billion to fight drug trafficking, including $398 million for DoD support of Counter Narcotics operations and $216 million for National Guard Counter Drug programs.
- Supports a ready and capable fighting force by:
- Authorizing full funding for President Trump’s top priorities, including F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems;
- Prohibiting the retirement of certain F-15E, A-10, C-130, and Grey Eagle aircraft; and
- Extending the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to enhance U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific region to deter China.
A summary of the bill is available HERE.
The bill text is available HERE.
Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
womack.house.gov
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