Congressman Fong Secures Critical Wins for California’s 20th District in FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 3838) which would deliver vital resources to our local military installations, their personnel, and surrounding communities. This legislation includes a series of amendments offered by Rep. Fong, as well as authorizations for major military construction projects at NAS Lemoore and NAWS China Lake that were included at Congressman Fong's request.

"California's 20th District plays a critical role in defending our nation," said Congressman Fong (CA-20). "That's why I fought to ensure our military installations are front and center in this legislation. The provisions I secured will give our servicemembers and their counterparts the resources, facilities, and support they need to successfully carry out their missions. By investing NAS Lemoore, NAWS China Lake, Edwards Air Force Base, and the Fresno Air National Guard Base, and their workforce, we are strengthening our military readiness while supporting our local military communities and the families who serve alongside them."

Fong-Authored Amendments to Strengthen Defense Readiness and Support Servicemembers

• Amendment 390: Improving Health Care Access for Navy Personnel at NAWS China Lake
• This amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of health care services available (Ridgecrest Regional Hospital) to military and civilian personnel at NAWS China Lake.
• The review will evaluate current challenges, outline solutions, and include any necessary legislative recommendations to address gaps in care.
• This ensures senior Department of Defense officials prioritize the health care needs of servicemembers and civilian workforce at NAWS China Lake.
• Amendment 737: Strengthening Readiness of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD)
• This amendment requires a biennial assessment of the NAWCWD to identify operational challenges and resource gaps.
• The assessment will provide greater visibility for NAWCWD with senior NAWS leadership, ensure Congress has insight into mission readiness, and help secure the tools needed for success.
• Amendment 745: Extending Review of the Air Force Test Center (AFTC)
• This amendment extends biennial assessments of the Air Force Test Center through 2028 and 2030.
• The AFTC, headquartered at Edwards Air Force Base, oversees critical operations at Arnold AFB, Eglin AFB, and Edwards AFB.
• These reviews ensure the AFTC mission remains strong and that challenges are addressed promptly.

Major Military Construction Projects Secured for California's 20th District

• At Congressman Fong's request, H.R. 3838 authorizes nearly $96 million in funding for three major Navy construction projects to modernize facilities and support military families.
• Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore
• $55.542 million - Construction of the Strike Fighter Center of Excellence, providing cutting-edge training facilities for Navy personnel to safely handle and load ordinance on Strike Fighter aircraft.
• $33.49 million - Planning and design for a new F-35 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar, improving operational efficiency and maintenance capacity for the F-35 program.
• Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake
• $8.9 million - Planning and design for a new Child Development Center, replacing an outdated facility and providing Navy families with a safer, modern space to meet growing childcare needs.

H.R. 3838 provides a total discretionary allocation of $831.5 billion, with key highlights including:

• Improving the quality of life for our servicemembers by providing a 3.8% pay raise and improved benefits for families.
• Fundamentally reforming the DoD acquisition process to speed the delivery of innovative new technologies to the warfighter.
• Enhancing America's nuclear deterrent and accelerating delivery of space capabilities to deter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and space capabilities.
• Authorizing funds and creates new authorities to revitalize America's defense industrial base, growing defense manufacturing jobs in America, and onshoring our defense supply chains.
• Fully funding and providing additional authorities to DoD to support border security.
• Reducing barriers to Department of Defense's (DoD) use of commercial technology.
• Authorizing over $900 million to fight drug trafficking, including $398 million for DoD support of Counter Narcotics operations and $116 million for National Guard Counter Drug programs.
• Fulfills the President's budget request for military exercises with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing reach.

On Background

California's 20th District and our region is home to some of our nation's most important defense installations such as NAS Lemoore, NAWS China Lake, Edwards Air Force Base, and the Fresno Air National Guard Base. The inclusion of these amendments and construction authorizations in the FY2026 NDAA underscores the district's central role in maintaining U.S. military readiness.