Salazar’s Western Hemisphere Bill Signed Into Law as Part of Final National Defense Package

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. María Elvira Salazar's (FL-27) Western Hemisphere and State Department Political Affairs Authorization Act has been signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

Included in the final National Defense package, one of the largest investments in U.S. defense and security in history, the law marks the first time Congress has codified the authorities of the State Department's Political Affairs Bureaus.

Earlier this year, Rep. Salazar introduced H.R. 5246, which laid the groundwork for these provisions by establishing clear authorities for the State Department's Political Affairs Bureaus in the Western Hemisphere and other strategic regions. Additionally, the legislation strengthens U.S. diplomatic engagement and security coordination by:

• Creating an Office of Haitian Affairs,

• Appointing new Ambassadors-at-Large for the Arctic and Indian Ocean regions, and


• Establishing a new unit to counter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"I'm thankful that these critical State Department authorities to strengthen the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, combat Chinese and Russian influence, and appoint new Ambassadors to strategic regions, such as the Arctic, were included in our National Defense Policy," said Chairwoman Salazar. "We are finally prioritizing our Hemisphere, and security in other strategic regions across the globe, which will help us fight tyranny across the world."

In September 2025, Chairwoman Salazar led the effort to pass an amended version of H.R. 5246 out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee with unanimous support and ensure it was included in the broader State Department Reauthorization bill, H.R. 5300. Recognizing the importance of these provisions, House Leadership and the Armed Services Committee included them directly in Division E (Sections 5141-5162) of S.1071, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026.

The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes $900 billion for U.S. national defense, includes a 3.8% pay raise for Miami's service members, and improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.

Additional information about State Department provisions included in the FY26 NDAA can be found here. 

Chairwoman Salazar Legislative Accomplishments:

With the enactment of the Western Hemisphere and State Department Political Affairs Authorization Act, Rep. María Elvira Salazar becomes one of the most productive lawmakers on foreign policy and national security, having now authored 11 bills signed into law.

Other key legislation authored or sponsored by Rep. Salazar that has been enacted into law includes:

• The TAKE IT DOWN Act - Protects children from online digital threats and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes. Signed into law: May 2025.

• The DISPOSE Act - Destroys fentanyl precursor chemicals to save American lives. Signed into law: December 2024.

• The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act - Honors 60 diplomats who risked their lives during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. Signed into law: December 2024.

• The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act - Protects migratory birds and critical habitat, including the Everglades. Signed into law: April 2024.

• The RECLAIM Taxpayer Funds Act - Recovers billions in fraudulent government loans and restores fiscal responsibility and accountability. Implemented: December 2023.

• The REEF Act - Incentivizes retired Navy ships to be repurposed as artificial reefs across U.S. marine ecosystems. Signed into law: December 2023.

• The Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act - Reauthorizes critical funding for mental health and substance abuse programs. Signed into law: December 2022.

• The PRICE Act - Expands access to federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. Signed into law: February 2022.

• The Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform (RENACER) Act - Imposes sanctions on the Ortega regime in Nicaragua. Signed into law: November 2021.

• The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Relief Act - Delivered economic relief for Floridians during the pandemic. Implemented: March 2021.