Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House in a 312-112 vote.
In addition to providing authorization for funds necessary to protect America and provide for our troops, the bill increases troop pay and includes funding for the construction of destroyers built at Bath Iron Works.
“It’s heartening to see Congress support not only our troops, but American shipbuilding and the critical role it plays in our national security,” Golden said. “Our service members deserve salaries that let them keep up with the cost of living. And when Maine shipbuilders are awarded work, they can ensure the Navy gets more of the best ships on the planet. Now that the House has passed this critical legislation, I hope the Senate moves quickly and sends it to the president.”
The bill provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members and increases the additional pay they receive when separated from their families by deployment. It also includes a $1.4 billion increase for new construction of barracks and family housing, and increases access to specialty medical care by lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement from 100 miles to 75 miles.
It also includes multiple wins for Maine that Golden secured in the waning hours of committee negotiations last month, such as funding for two DDG-51 destroyers that are typically built by Bath Iron Works (BIW).
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