Congressman Harris Applauds House Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) applauded House passage of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the annual legislation that sets national defense policy and authorizes funding for the United States military.

"The first and foremost responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense and protect the American people," said Congressman Harris. "At a time of growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist organizations around the world, America must have the military strength and industrial capacity necessary to deter our adversaries and defend our interests at home and abroad.

"This legislation rebuilds America's arsenal by strengthening domestic manufacturing, securing critical supply chains, replenishing our munitions stockpiles, and investing in the capabilities our warfighters need to carry out their missions. It also supports our service members and their families through increased military pay and important investments in housing, education, and childcare.

"For decades, the National Defense Authorization Act has reflected a bipartisan commitment to putting our national security first. Today's vote reflects the unfortunate political reality that 205 House Democrats opposed the annual defense legislation necessary to maintain America's military readiness and protect our nation."

BACKGROUND:

• H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, authorizes $1.15 trillion for national defense priorities to strengthen America's military, revitalize the defense industrial base, support service members and their families, and advance President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda.
  
• The FY27 NDAA focuses on rebuilding America's Arsenal of Freedom by expanding domestic defense production, strengthening critical supply chains, reducing barriers for small businesses and innovative companies, and creating new opportunities for America's skilled technical workforce.
  
• The legislation authorizes multiyear procurement for critical weapons systems, accelerates the production and acquisition of munitions, and invests in the ships, aircraft, combat vehicles, missile defenses, autonomous systems, hypersonic weapons, and other capabilities American warfighters need to deter and defeat emerging threats.
  
• The bill supports service members and military families by authorizing a 5% to 7% pay increase, investing more than $1.8 billion in military barracks and family housing, expanding access to on-base childcare, and increasing the Family Separation Allowance for deployed service members.
  
• The FY27 NDAA strengthens American deterrence against China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist organizations while supporting key allies and partners around the world. It also continues military support for law enforcement operations along the southern and maritime borders.
  
• The legislation cuts nearly $30 billion in wasteful spending, including funding for inefficient and underperforming programs, while advancing reforms intended to reduce fraudulent payments and move the Department of War toward a full and clean audit.
  
• Under the rule governing consideration of H.R. 8800, the text of the House-passed SAVE America Act will be added to the legislation before it is transmitted to the Senate. The SAVE America Act requires proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and establishes voter identification requirements for federal elections.
  
• H.R. 8800 passed the House by a vote of 216-212.
  

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