Ciscomani Secures Wins for District in Annual Defense Authorization Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Juan Ciscomani today announced that he has secured key wins for Southeastern Arizona in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation passed by the House of Representatives that strengthens our military and advances our national defense strategy.

Ciscomani, who represents Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the Fort Huachuca Army installation, said the annual spending package strengthens Arizona's role in protecting and defending the American way of life.

"Congress has a duty to ensure our military has the resources, capabilities, and support needed to keep Americans safe, and this year's defense bill delivers," said Ciscomani."This year's NDAA secures several major wins for our district - including critical language for the Electronic Proving Ground (EPG), strengthened Unmanned Surface Vessel capabilities, prioritization of Space Domain Awareness capabilities which Arizona is well positioned to support, progress on moving historical assets from the Boneyard for commemoration, and a key Tucson Airport land acquisition with Davis-Monthan. These provisions directly reinforce the missions at Davis-Monthan and Fort Huachuca and strengthen our region's role in our national defense. This year's NDAA also provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, strengthens U.S. defense manufacturing jobs, fully funds key tools to support border security efforts."

FY2026 NDAA Overview:

• Authorizes discretionary defense spending of $900.6 billion
• Includes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.
• Electronic Proving Ground (EPG) on Fort Huachuca: A provision that safeguards EPG by requiring strict oversight and justification before any reduction or consolidation - helping protect its mission and maintain vital electronic warfare testing in Arizona that supports America's push for modern warfare dominance.
• Authorization to transport five surplus T-37B training aircraft to the Arizona Aviation Historical Group from the Boneyard
• A provision that bolsters Space Domain Awareness by requiring DOD to outline planned capability expansions and partnerships with universities - opening the door for institutions like universities to play a larger role in Space Force missions
• Tucson Airport Land Acquisition by Department of War
• Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV): provision pushing the Navy to accelerate development of low-cost electronic warfare capabilities for Unmanned Surface Vessels which strengthens innovation and future mission readiness.
• Western Regional Range Complex Demonstration: A provision directing the Pentagon to create a joint, multi-domain testing and training network across western states-positioning Arizona's bases and ranges for major operational testing opportunities and significant economic impact
• Strengthens and expands U.S.-Israel security cooperation by extending key joint programs, advancing emerging technology partnerships, enhancing counter-UAS and anti-tunnel efforts, and establishing new mechanisms to deepen defense industrial integration.