Booker Statement on Passage of FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

"I'm pleased that the final version of this year's National Defense Authorization Act includes some improvements I've been fighting for, such as an amendment I filed to protect the integrity of Picatinny Arsenal, funding for critical military construction projects in New Jersey, a pay increase for service members, and additional funds for educational resources for children with disabilities in military communities through Impact Aid, as well as my amendment to require the State Department to offer both men and women's sizing options when issuing life-saving tactical gear to federal law enforcement officers and Diplomatic Security agents.

"That said, authorizing funding increases without safeguards to hold Donald Trump and his administration accountable would amount to Congress surrendering its constitutional duty to provide a check on this rogue administration and the damage it is doing to our national security departments and agencies.

"I will always stand up for New Jerseyans and to protect our national security, but I cannot give the Trump administration a blank check to continue terrorizing our communities and cutting essential funding for our state."