Rep. Cisneros, Rep. Begich Bi-Partisan NDAA Amendment Supports Alaska Servicemembers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31) joined Congressman Nick Begich (AK-AL) in leading a bi-partisan amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support Alaska servicemembers. The amendment reauthorizes and extends a program that helps enlisted servicemembers stationed in Alaska return home to visit their families without facing extreme financial burdens.

"I'm proud to lead bipartisan efforts with Rep. Nick Begich to help ease the financial burden on Alaska's junior enlisted servicemembers traveling home to visit their families. In my previous role as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Pentagon, I traveled to Alaska to visit servicemembers stationed there and discuss the challenges of being stationed far away from friends and family. Our amendment was included in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, which would renew a home of record travel program that helps reimburse travel from their permanent duty station, reducing a major financial burden on our junior enlisted soldiers," said Congressman Cisneros.

"America's strength comes from the men and women who wear the uniform. By ensuring they have the opportunity to see their families, we honor their service and build a stronger military," said Congressman Begich. "Reauthorizing this program ensures our youngest soldiers can stay connected with their loved ones, which strengthens both their wellbeing and our military readiness. I am grateful to join Rep. Cisneros in leading this bipartisan effort that put our servicemen and women first."

The amendment reauthorizes a program first established in the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA that allowed service secretaries to reimburse home-of-record travel for junior enlisted servicemembers assigned to Alaska. That authority expired in December 2023, despite strong evidence of its effectiveness. A January 2024 report from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness recommended extending the program, noting that enlisted servicemembers in grades E1-E6 accounted for 85% of its use.

Specifically, the amendment will:

• Reauthorize the FY23 NDAA program permitting service secretaries to reimburse home-of-record travel for junior enlisted servicemembers stationed in Alaska.
• Extend the travel allowance program for servicemembers of the Armed Services assigned to Alaska.
• Reduce the financial burden on young, enlisted personnel, many of whom are serving far from their families.
• Provide this benefit with no additional cost to taxpayers, as it simply reauthorizes existing authorities.

The amendment was adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA, legislation that restores the military's focus on lethality and accountability while restoring America's commitment to its warfighters.

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