WESTERMAN VOTES TO PASS FY2026 NDAA

Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:

"Today's bill exemplifies bicameral, bipartisan work to bolster our national defense capabilities, support our servicemembers, and increase our military readiness. By passing the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), House Republicans are ensuring our military receives the necessary funding and equipment crucial to supporting our servicemembers as they defend our freedom. While Russia, China, and other bad actors continue to threaten democracy around the world, the United States must remain the global leader in defense," said Congressman Westerman.

"The NDAA is a cornerstone of our national security and, as it does every year, the FY26 NDAA continues to strongly invest in the defense programs housed right here in the Fourth District in East Camden. This support is vital for our local economy and provides employment opportunities for countless Arkansans. I am always proud to support any legislation that is good for Arkansas and defends America. This bill certainly achieves both goals."

The 2026 NDAA supports Arkansas and American defense by:

• Authorizing $900.6 billion to improve service member quality of life, secure our borders, and bolster our nation's defense systems and equipment.

• Supporting organic industrial base sites in the Fourth District like Pine Bluff Arsenal through adding additional production lines and modernization initiatives.

• Supporting the Camden community through the evaluation of U.S. stockpiles of critical munitions that are widely produced by major defense contractors located in Camden.

• Expanding vital telehealth and mail order pharmacy benefits for veterans and active duty servicemembers.

• Including a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers.

• Supporting military housing and education initiatives for military families.

• Supporting the rapid expansion of our nation's defense industrial base, including munitions and readiness restoration efforts.

• Authorizing key portions of the Golden Dome defense system that majorly impacts our homeland security.

• Supporting the facilitation of counternarcotics operations training for our Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Mexican military personnel.

• Improving military recruitment by increasing required JROTC units, increasing recruiter access to public schools, and establishing a National Week of Military Recruitment.