Capito Votes to Pass Defense Policy Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA). The bipartisan legislation includes support for America's service members and their families, while also authorizing programs that strengthen military readiness and enhance national security. The NDAA passed by a vote of 77-20.

"I am proud that Congress has once again worked together to pass a bipartisan defense authorization bill, which sets policies for our nation's armed forces that enhance our security here at home, support our troops with a much-deserved pay raise, and better equips our military to face twenty-first century challenges from a position of strength. Through my efforts, I also secured the inclusion of provisions that support West Virginia's role in our national defense," Senator Capito said.

THE NDAA INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS THAT SENATOR CAPITO ADVOCATED FOR:

• Authorizes the Pentagon to officially establish and maintain an "Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory," also known as the Ridge Runner military exercise led by the West Virginia National Guard. This exercise brings significant economic benefits to the state of West Virginia while increasing the military readiness of U.S. forces in irregular warfare.

• Establishes in law the soldier-inspired innovation program, Catalyst Pathfinder, which was created in West Virginia as a way to accelerate Army technological innovation and save taxpayer money. This West Virginia-based program is already present at numerous Army installations, allowing soldiers to engineer their own innovative solutions to a wide variety of challenges.

• Requires the Navy to take action in planning for newer, more effective waterborne security barriers that protect bases and ships from threats. These barriers are manufactured in Wyoming County.

ADDITIONAL NDAA HIGHLIGHTS:

• Funding Authorization: The bill authorizes $901 billion for the Pentagon, which is a $8 billion increase over the President's Budget Request.

• Pay Raise: Authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for service members.

• Pentagon Reform: Includes numerous provisions to improve efficiency and support audit efforts.

• Other National Security Programs: Contains reauthorizations of the State Department, Intelligence programs, the Coast Guard, and the Defense Production Act.

• Merit: Requires that all military command selections be based on individual merit and demonstrated performance.

• JROTC: Increases the number of JROTC units by 100 and authorizes a cash bonus for new JROTC instructors.

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