ICYMI: House Passes FY26 National Defense Authorization Act with Moore Amendments to Recognize Lumbee Tribe, Strengthen Lithium Supply Chain

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, September 10th, Congressman Tim Moore voted to pass H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation passed with amendments supported by Moore to recognize the Lumbee Tribe, and create a study that would detail the Department of Defense's (DoD) current supply and future needs for lithium.

"This year's NDAA is an incredibly strong piece of legislation that will ensure America leads through strength, protects the homeland, and delivers on key priorities for North Carolina," said Congressman Moore. "From finally securing long-overdue federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe to bolstering our domestic lithium supply chain, this bill strengthens both our national security and our state's role in America's future."

Moore was a cosponsor of Rep. David Rouzer's (NC-07) amendment, which extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina by incorporating the text of H.R. 474, the Lumbee Fairness Act. This amendment ensures that Lumbee members are eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized tribes. It also requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the tribe, to determine resources needed to provide the services for which members of the tribe are eligible. This amendment was unanimously passed by the House.

During floor debate on this amendment, Congressman Moore stated, "Today, we are here to right a wrong, end the Termination Era of Indian policy, and take the Lumbee out of the legal limbo they have been in for almost 70 years. It is the job of this Congress to right the wrongs of past Congresses."

Moore was also the sponsor of an amendment that would direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition to prepare a report to be submitted to Congress by March 2026. The report must detail the Department of Defense's (DoD) current supply and future needs for lithium, assessing its use in military electronics, vehicles, weapons, and advanced systems like unmanned vessels and AI data centers. It must also evaluate potential supply chain risks and the feasibility of partnering with the commercial industry to secure a stable domestic supply of lithium. This amendment was unanimously passed by the House.

Key Background:
· This year's NDAA codifies 15 of President Trump's Executive Orders.

· President Trump and House Republicans' Peace Through Strength Agenda in the NDAA:
o The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) strengthens America's defenses and advances President Trump's 'Peace Through Strength' agenda - codifying his executive orders, ending woke ideology at the Pentagon, securing the border, revitalizing the defense industrial base, and restoring the warrior ethos.
o Secures the border: Deploys the National Guard, expands counter-narcotics missions, and boosts DOD support to DHS.
o Improves family life: 3.8% pay raise, better housing, stronger healthcare, and expanded childcare.
o Modernizes defense: Accelerates new weapons, AI, drones, missile defense, and nuclear deterrence.
o Strengthens deterrence: Fully funds nuclear modernization and space capabilities to outpace China and Russia.
o Ends wokeism: Eliminates DEI and CRT programs, restores merit-based promotions, and bans race-based admissions at service academies.

· Building the Most Modern and Lethal Fighting Force in the World:
o The FY26 NDAA equips America's military with the strength to deter any adversary:
o Ships: New submarines, destroyers, and a Ford-class aircraft carrier.
o Aircraft: Dozens of new F-35's and F-15EX's, plus next-gen F-47 and F/A-XX programs.
o Munitions: $15B for missiles, rockets, and artillery to rebuild the arsenal.
o Technology: $142B for hypersonics, AI, drones, quantum computing, and space systems.

· Building on the Working Families Tax Cut:
o Earlier this year, President Trump signed into law the Working Families Tax Cut - the most pro-worker, pro-family economic package in decades. On top of tax relief and lower prices, it also delivered historic investments to strengthen America's defenses:
o $150B for military modernization.
o $100B for border security, detention, deportations, and 10,000 new ICE agents.
o Major surge in U.S. defense production to rebuild the industrial base and onshore supply chains.
o The FY26 NDAA builds on this foundation ensuring America has both the economic strength and the military power to deter our enemies and protect our interests worldwide.