Representative Tran Supports Improved Transparency, Readiness in Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) voted to advance the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of the House Armed Services Committee. The bill, which authorizes $1.142 trillion in defense spending, passed with a bipartisan vote of 44 to 12 and now awaits a full vote by the House of Representatives.

Representative Tran championed 25 provisions critical to military readiness, community safety, and maintaining the United States' military and technological advantage over China. The wide-ranging provisions address the Chinese Communist Party's expanding global influence, deactivation of U.S. Army Reserve Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades (ECABs), and chemical hazmat disclosure requirements for defense contractors operating near residential communities.

"As one of the only pieces of mandatory annual legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act is vital for our global readiness and service members," said Representative Tran. "This bill goes beyond funding-it is about protecting Americans at home and abroad. I am proud to have secured key provisions to support our troops at Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos, increase transparency for communities near hazardous chemical plants, and counter the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party. While defense spending continues to hit record highs, we must recognize the deep anxiety families face regarding everyday affordability. I am committed to working across the aisle to ensure these historic investments not only keep us safe, but also respect the economic pressures facing American households."

Among the provisions championed by Representative Tran are measures that would:

Combat Malign Influence from the CCP - A requirement for a comprehensive analysis of the CCP's expanding global influence and the threats it poses to the United States, giving policymakers the critical intelligence they need as the CCP increases its reach in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America.

Keep Critical Military Assets in Southern California - A bipartisan amendment to prevent the deactivation of U.S. Army Reserve Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades (ECABs) without a clear transition and replacement plan, protecting air assault, medical evacuation, and wildfire response assets that serve Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos (JFTB-LA) and surrounding communities.

Prevent Another Hazmat Crisis - A measure requiring Department of Defense contractors to disclose the use of hazardous substances in their manufacturing processes and notify communities around them, a direct response to the Garden Grove hazmat crisis that forced 50,000 constituents from their homes and businesses.

The NDAA is a must-pass piece of legislation that authorizes funding levels and provides authorities for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities each fiscal year. It ensures America's Armed Forces have the training, equipment, and resources necessary to carry out their missions. The bill will now advance to a full vote before the House of Representatives.

An Army Veteran, Representative Tran is a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee and serves as a member of the Readiness Subcommittee and the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 to give back to the country that welcomed his refugee parents. He served for eight years and was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge. The first bill Tran introduced in Congress was H.R. 1637, the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to restore the livelihoods of Veterans wrongfully fired from their civil service positions. Tran serves as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force.

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