Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of Computer Science Education Week, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s 9th District.

“The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for our region’s middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and computer skills on the national level,” said Rep. Hudson.“Congratulations to this year’s winner from Alamance County for his innovative app design bring communities together and thank you to all of our region’s students who participated in this year’s competition.”

Below is the winning selection for North Carolina’s 9th District:

·    Finn Outwater of Mebane, NC (Eno River Academy)

·    Farmly: An app designed to make it easy for users to discover local farms in their area where they can enjoy authentic experiences and purchase fresh produce conveniently while minimizing their carbon footprint and supporting local businesses.

The Congressional App Challenge was launched by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage student innovation and engagement in computer science and STEM. This national effort seeks to inspire students from every corner of the country to explore coding and computer science through hands-on practice by creating an app. 

The winner was chosen by Rep. Hudson’s selection committee, a panel of technology professionals that evaluated submissions earlier this fall. The winning app will be featured on the House.gov website and the CongressionalAppChallenge.us website.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Troy Carter (D-LA) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the nation’s emergency communications systems, strengthen public safety, and ensure first responders have access to real-time information during emergencies. 

“Every family deserves the peace of mind that all the best and most updated technology is being utilized when they dial 9-1-1, but too many call centers are still relying on outdated, legacy systems,” said Congressman Richard Hudson. “Our bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense step to modernize 9-1-1 technology, support the first responders who protect our communities, and ensure families across North Carolina and the country get the help they need when seconds matter.”

“We have fully entered the digital age, and it only makes sense that our 9-1-1 systems evolve with it. The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act is innovative, common-sense legislation that moves our nation’s legacy 9-1-1 call centers into the modern era. People rely on smartphones, tablets, and other devices in every part of their daily lives. They should be able to use them when it matters most. Public safety must remain a top priority, and it’s time to fully embrace the technology we have to save lives,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr.

Bill Overview

The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act updates and reauthorizes federal support for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems nationwide. The legislation establishes a program at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that creates a clear federal framework for upgrading legacy 9-1-1 infrastructure as appropriations become available.

The bill strengthens ongoing efforts by ensuring state and local agencies have a defined pathway to adopt advanced NG9-1-1 capabilities such as real-time location data, multimedia messaging, enhanced cybersecurity, and interoperable communications.

This modernization is essential for communities like Fort Bragg, rural regions across North Carolina facing vulnerabilities highlighted by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, and fast-growing areas seeing higher emergency call volumes.

Why the Bill Is Needed

Research found that only 13 percent of the nation is served by NG-9-1-1-capable services, and most 9-1-1 services are relying on systems designed decades ago. These outdated platforms cannot process text messages, images, or video, even though over 85 percent of Americans now own a smartphone.

Without this legislation, emergency communications will continue to face delays, dropped calls, and limited situational awareness for first responders. With the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act, local agencies will be able to deploy modern, secure, data-driven systems that improve emergency response, protect first responders, and save lives.

Stakeholder Support

Capt. Jack Varnado, President of APCO International: “Modernizing America’s 9-1-1 systems is both a public safety necessity and a national security imperative. This legislation represents the comprehensive, forward-looking approach needed to ensure that our emergency communications system is secure, interoperable, and capable of supporting the lifesaving work 9-1-1 professionals perform every day. APCO thanks Representatives Hudson and Carter for their steadfast leadership on this critical issue.”

“We are grateful for Rep. Hudson’s leadership in promoting Next Generation 9-1-1 in the U.S. Congress,” said NENA CEO John Provenzano. “We look forward to working with Reps. Hudson and Carter (D-LA) on this important bipartisan effort as we work to ensure deployment of a nationwide Next Generation 9-1-1 system.”

“Advancing NG9-1-1 is critical to our national security and the security of our public safety network,” said Brian Davenport, Chief Strategy Officer of Intrado, the nation’s largest 9-1-1 provider. “Far too many Americans are relying on outdated technology to get the help they need when it matters most. Congressional action is necessary to ensure we can complete the transition across the country, and we applaud Congressman Hudson for his continued leadership on this issue.”

Read the full bill text [here].

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

December 11, 2025 | Press Releases

Watch Representative Steube’s Remarks Here
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act, introduced with Senator John Barrasso, has advanced out of the Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Steube’s bill, which would address inadequacies with federal laws requiring the IRS to provide notice to taxpayers of third-party contacts, was approved unanimously by the Committee in a vote of 41-0. 
“This legislation is about building a healthier relationship between taxpayers and their government, one that respects privacy and due process while still ensuring the IRS can do its job,” said Rep. Steube in his remarks. “For law-abiding Americans, compliance is already complicated enough. The least we can do is ensure that when the IRS intends to go outside the taxpayer to gather information the taxpayer can provide, the taxpayer gets clarity—what exactly is being sought—and a fair chance to respond.”
“I want to thank Representative Steube for his leadership in advancing our bipartisan Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act through the Ways and Means Committee,” said Senator Barrasso. “This bill will safeguard the rights of hardworking Americans and small businesses by preventing the IRS from going behind their backs to solicit personal financial information.”
“Fairness is the cornerstone principle of tax administration,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Miss.). “When the IRS contacts third parties seeking information, taxpayers have the right to know what the government is looking for and deserve a fair chance to respond first. Thanks to Representative Steube’s leadership, the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act will rein in the IRS from contacting those close to a taxpayer and first allow citizens the first opportunity to resolve questions from the IRS without risking reputational harm.”
Joining Rep. Steube as a co-lead on the Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act is Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.). The bill also has the support of the National Taxpayers Union. 
Background: While current law requires the IRS provide taxpayers advance notice before contacting third parties (banks, employers, customers, etc.), the federal government has failed to provide sufficient notice to the respective individuals concerning the nature of the information being sought from said third parties. The Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act would ensure the IRS identify each specific item of information it intends to seek in its third party contact notice to the taxpayer. It would also require the IRS provide said individual a reasonable amount of time to review and respond to the third party contact notice before the agency can proceed. 
Read the full bill text here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Congresswoman Reaffirms Support for Immigrant Neighbors, Welcomes Home Allston Car Wash Workers Unlawfully Detained

Press Conference (YouTube) | Photos (Dropbox)

BOSTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) convened and welcomed home the workers and families impacted by the cruel and unlawful ICE raid at an Allston car wash in November. Last week, Congresswoman Pressley delivered a floor speech condemning the raid, where rogue federal agents harassed and abducted employees at Allston Car Wash, denying them their right to show their work permits. Among them were five women and a 67-year-old man who was disappeared for days without access to his medication.

Congresswoman Pressley’s office has been in close touch with the families and has worked with them to track down their loved ones and connect them with legal counsel.

“In communities like Allston and all across the country, workers and families are being ripped apart and having their lives disrupted by the occupant of the White House and rogue federal agents who mean harm to everyone who calls this country home. It is cruel, it is unlawful, and we must condemn, resist, and reject this hostility at every turn,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m deeply grateful to the families and advocates who joined us today to share their stories. We cannot allow this cruelty to be normalized—and uplifting their experiences will be critical as we push back against the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda. While Trump and ICE continue their campaign of terror, I’ll always stand up for our immigrant neighbors.”

Joining Congresswoman Pressley at the convening were City Councilor Liz Breadon, Pietra Adami, LUCE Volunteer Network; Todd Pomerleau, Mass Deportation Defense; Brooke Simone, Lawyers for Civil Rights; Gladys Ortiz, Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants; Hannah Davila, Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement; Liz Sweet, Executive Director at MIRA Coalition; and Allston Car Wash workers and families.

“These individuals were wrongfully taken from their workplace, families, and community, even though many had valid work permits and were contributing members of our community,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston stands with them and with every worker who deserves safety, dignity, and fair treatment under the law.”

“Allston-Brighton is a community of immigrants, immigrants who deserve to live without fear. I am relieved that the majority of our neighbors who were unjustly kidnapped by ICE have been reunited with their loved ones. I want to thank our local immigrant rights organizations, LUCE, and our elected officials for their tireless work,” said Allston-Brighton City Councilor Liz Breadon. “Allston-Brighton will continue to resist the Trump Administration through collective action and support for our immigrant community members.”

“Our Office for Refugees and Immigrants receives calls almost every day depicting the desperation and anxiety of the immigrants living, working, and studying in Massachusetts. Our office will continue working with the community, organizations, and lawyers to help families in need,” said Susan Church, Chief Operating Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Office for Refugees and Immigrants. “What happened in Allston is beyond a nightmare, and it’s the cruel reality many communities are facing at this time in our country. I feel proud of the work the community here in Massachusetts did to get workers from the Allston Car Wash back to their neighborhood.”

“ICE’s racially-motivated targeting of the car wash workers was an abuse of power and a violation of their most basic rights. Lawyers for Civil Rights is committed to using every tool available to pursue justice for the workers who were targeted and to hold the government accountable,” said Brooke Simone, an attorney with Lawyers for Civil Rights. “Racial profiling is unconstitutional, unlawful, and immoral. We will not allow these abuses to go unanswered.”

Footage of the press conference is available here.

For photos from the event, click here.

Last month, Rep. Pressley delivered a powerful speech on the House floor condemning the Allston ICE raid and defended the vibrant immigrant communities who are being maliciously stolen from their homes, ripped from their families, and unlawfully detained and deported by the Trump Administration and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In June, Congresswoman Pressley convened immigrant justice advocates, local leaders, and impacted families to tell Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Hands off our immigrant neighbors. 

Rep. Pressley has been a vocal advocate for our immigrant neighbors and everyone harmed by Donald Trump’s unlawful, anti-immigrant, and anti-free speech agenda. Congresswoman Pressley, who serves as Co-Chair for the House Haiti Caucus and represents one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country, has also been an outspoken critic of the Trump Administration’s ending of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, Venezuela, El Salvador, and other countries grappling with humanitarian crises.

Rep. Pressley has also been an outspoken critic against the unlawful detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student, Somerville resident, and constituent of the Congresswoman’s who was unlawfully detained for weeks in retaliation for her protected speech. After weeks of advocacy and Congressional oversight, including a visit to detention centers in Louisiana, Rep. Pressley and Senator Ed Markey welcomed Ms. Öztürk to Massachusetts following her arrival from ICE detention in Louisiana.

Rep. Pressley has also spoken out against reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

In January 2025, Rep. Pressley joined her colleagues in reintroducing the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation that would repeal the antiquated Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been used to target innocent immigrants based on nothing more than national origin without affording due process rights, and which Donald Trump has used in his plans for mass deportations.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA)

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Clay Higgins’ (R-LA) legislation, H.R. 2716, the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, passed through the House Ways and Means Committee during a markup today. 

The bill would ensure that deceased people are removed from government payment rolls by permanently requiring the Social Security Administration to share the “Death Master File” with the Treasury Department’s “Do Not Pay” system. In 2023 alone, the federal government sent $1.3 billion to deceased people. Read the bill text here.

“This legislation will immediately save American taxpayers billions of dollars. It’s unacceptable that the federal bureaucracy has grown to be so outrageously wasteful,” said Congressman Higgins. “As a fiscal conservative, I’m eager to see this bill, which reduces wasteful spending without expanding the size of the government, signed into law, and I’d like to thank the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman Jason Smith for propelling this crucial effort forward.”

“Protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars is one of government’s most basic functions – one it routinely fails to uphold,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “For too long, bureaucratic mismanagement within the federal government has allowed payments to flow uninterrupted to deceased individuals, compromising the integrity of programs that are most vital to Americans. Representative Higgins has been a tireless fighter against government fraud, waste, and abuse, and now, thanks to his leadership, this legislation will ensure American taxpayer dollars are protected and that government works better for the people it serves.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with Congressman David Valadao’s (CA-22) support. The FY26 NDAA authorizes funding for all discretionary military programs and activities, including personnel, operations, maintenance, procurement, research, and development. It also outlines critical policies and directives for the Department of Defense (DoD).

A portion of Congressman Valadao’s Strengthening Election Cybersecurity to Uphold Respect for Elections through Independent Testing (SECURE IT) Act was also included in the FY26 NDAA.

“Today, I was proud to vote to ensure our military has the resources needed to keep Americans safe while delivering meaningful quality-of-life improvements for our servicemembers and their families,” said Congressman Valadao. “The FY26 NDAA provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families. It also ensures the Department of Defense is prepared to confront growing global threats, promotes the development of new and innovative defense technologies, and deepens partnerships with our allies in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. I’m especially proud that key provisions of my SECURE IT Act were included to help bolster confidence in our elections by requiring voting systems to undergo simulated cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities. For over 60 years, the NDAA has been a bipartisan commitment to our national defense, and I’m glad to see the House and Senate once again came together to get this critical legislation over the finish line.”

Among other provisions, the FY26 NDAA:

• Provides enlisted servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise.
• Improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.
• Authorizes over $355 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities to expand access to healthcare.
• Enhances U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to support Indo-Pacific allies and counter China’s growing reach.
• Strengthens U.S.-Israel military operations and cooperative missile defense programs.
• Enhances America’s nuclear deterrent and new nuclear power technologies.
• Accelerates the development and delivery of space capabilities to counter Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and space surveillance. 

Read the bill summary here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement upon passage of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“I am proud to support the FY2026 NDAA, which delivers a hard-earned pay raise for military service members and their families while improving their quality of life and safeguarding America’s national security.

“I am particularly proud to have championed parts of the defense bill that benefit the service members and families at MacDill Air Force Base, including pay raises and critical improvements to on-base housing and infrastructure, health care and childcare. The bill includes $74 million to support the construction of new KC-46 aircraft hangars and maintenance facilities.

“To address the high cost of living, I am proud to have fought for and helped secure a 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members. This well-earned pay raise will provide meaningful relief to service members and their families.

“This year’s NDAA also includes important provisions intended to address mold issues plaguing base housing, including in privatized housing at MacDill AFB. The new provision strengthens mold reporting requirements, standardizes remediation guidelines across the military, and requires routine inspections of privatized and government-owned military housing by an independent, qualified home inspector.

“Education and childcare are also fundamental for our military families and their children. This year’s NDAA authorizes $50 million to support local school districts that serve military-dependent students and additional funding for the construction of child development centers.

“Service members and their families deserve reliable access to high-quality health care. That’s why I’m thankful that the NDAA fully funds military medical treatment facilities and includes stricter requirements for downsizing or closing facilities, like Tampa’s Sabal Park Clinic.

“After decades of the executive branch taking advantage of two broad Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF), the FY2026 NDAA finally repeals the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs against Iraq, re-establishing the Constitutionally prescribed role of Congress in the use of military forces.

“Congressional Democrats also successfully opposed numerous policy riders and poison pills targeting LGBTQ+ service members.

“Tampa Bay is a vibrant hub for defense-sector companies and entrepreneurs. To continue strengthening business and relationships with these key partners, this year’s NDAA delivers the most substantive reforms in decades to address the defense acquisition process. These updates will ensure both regulatory requirements and efficiency are met, while bolstering our nation’s industrial base and commercial innovation, as well as the workforce that delivers them.

“Importantly, the NDAA includes provisions to ensure that the Trump Administration does not walk away from our partners and allies like Ukraine, and to provide oversight and accountability measures to restrain illegal actions by the Trump Administration, including strikes that have occurred in Venezuela and the Caribbean, removal of general officers, and the use of military aircraft, personnel, and installations for immigration enforcement.”

Supporting Military Service Members and their Families:

1. 3.8% pay raise for all service members
2. Increased investments in child development centers
3. Increased investments in base housing
4. Increase to the Family Separation Allowance (FSA)

Military Housing:

1. Provides funds to keep DoD facilities in good working order and reduce the maintenance backlog
2. Strengthens military housing by creating new reporting requirements, establishing standardized remediation of mold across military branches and requiring inspections of privatized and government-owned military housing by an independent, qualified home inspector

Health Care:

1. Establishes additional requirements that changes to military medical treatment have no effect on operations at treatment facilities for service members and their families

The FY2026 NDAA Conference Report passed by a margin of 312-112 in the House. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Rep. Castor is a member of the powerful U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee and previously served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and as Chair of the former U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Her district includes MacDill Air Force Base and is home to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), two of the Armed Forces’ most important military commands.  MacDill Air Force Base’s 6th Air Refueling Wing is the centerpiece of the U.S. Air Force’s Global Vigilance, Global Reach, Global Power mission, with its essential aerial refueling function. The base’s mission is vital to keeping America safe and ready for any contingencies we may face as a nation.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“Our lives are increasingly intertwined with the internet, and those who would commit crimes against our children know that all too well. With the PROTECT Our Children Act, the ICAC Task Force Program will get predators offline and help make the internet a safe space for all children,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud that this bipartisan legislation to build on the original PROTECT Our Children Act that I authored over a decade ago passed the House. We all have a role to play in keeping our children safe.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Headline: Carter brings home more than $320 million for GA-01 in NDAA

Carter brings home more than $320 million for GA-01 in NDAA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson commended House passage of S. 1017, The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA). This annual legislation includes major priorities for the Louisiana military community, particularly Barksdale Air Force Base and Air Force Global Strike Command, Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center, and Camp Minden.

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act helps advance President Trump and Republicans’ Peace Through Strength Agenda by codifying 15 of President Trump’s executive orders, ending woke ideology at the Pentagon, securing the border, revitalizing the defense industrial base, and restoring the warrior ethos.

“This legislation includes important House-passed provisions to ensure our military forces remain the most lethal in the world and can deter any adversary. It roots out Biden-era wokeism in our military and restores merit-based promotions and admissions to service academies, prohibits contracts with partisan firms, counters antisemitism, and halts harmful, unnecessary programs like CRT, DEI, and climate initiatives. 

“President Trump has made clear the past few decades of investments propping up Communist China’s aggression must come to an end, and this bill includes important guardrails to protect America’s long-term investments, economic interests, and sensitive data.

“The NDAA builds on the landmark investments included in the Working Families Tax Cut, ensuring America has both the economic strength and the military power to deter our enemies and protect our interests worldwide. The legislation improves the livelihoods of America’s brave men and women in uniform by giving them a well-deserved pay raise, and ensures our warfighters have access to the best and most innovative military technologies. 

“Under President Trump, the U.S. is rebuilding strength, restoring deterrence, and proving America will not back down. President Trump and Republicans promised peace through strength. The FY26 NDAA delivers it,” Speaker Johnson said.

Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District Provisions included in the FY26 NDAA:

Barksdale Air Force Base

• Weapons Generation Facility Dormitory ($18 million)
• This dormitory will be built to support the new $275 million Weapons Generation Facility, which is currently under construction.
• Child Development Center Design ($2.2 million)
• This funding will support a new Child Development Center (CDC) at Barksdale. It will build a 13-room addition to the existing CDC. The existing facility is undersized and in poor condition.

Air Force B-52 Program

• The NDAA includes $931 million for the continued modernization of the B-52. These upgrades will allow the B-52 to continue to serve as the core of the Air Force’s bomber mission.

Long Range Standoff Weapon

• $607 million to support the continued development of the new Long Range Standoff Weapon (LSRO). The LRSO will replace the existing air launched cruise missiles (ALCM), which have been in service since the 1980s.

Air Force Global Strike Command

• Codifying Air Force Global Strike Command
• The NDAA establishes the Global Strike Command as an Air Force Major Command.  The Commander of Global Strike Command will continue to serve as the Single Point of contact to the Secretary and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for carrying out all aspects of nuclear and long-range strike missions of the Air Force, solidifying even further the importance of Barksdale Air Force Base’s Global Strike Command.
• Bomber Aircraft Force Structure and Transition Roadmap
• The Air Force will be required to submit to Congress a comprehensive roadmap detailing the planned force structure, basing, modernization, and transition strategy for the bomber aircraft fleet of the Air Force through fiscal year 2040. This report will update Congress on the status of B-52 modernization and future basing plans for the B-21.

Military Community

• Authorizes the creation of the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program, which can leverage the new campus of LSU-Heath Shreveport to mobilize direct support to military medical treatment facilities and provide support to other requirements of the military health system.

Since his original appointment to the House Armed Services Committee in 2021, Speaker Johnson has secured:

• Nearly $787 million in military construction projects for the state of Louisiana.
• $377.7 million for Barksdale Air Force Base
• $311.8 million for Fort Polk
• $13.8 million for Camp Minden
• Over $4.1 billion for the Air Force B-52 program
• Over $3.6 billion for the Long Range Standoff Weapon program

In addition, this year’s NDAA:

• Advances the Trump Administration’s efforts to improve servicemember quality of life with a 3.8% pay increase and improved benefits for military families.
• Codifies President Trump’s work to end DEI and wokeness in the military and returns to a focus on the warrior ethos.
• Fully supports President Trump’s top priorities, including the Golden Dome, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems.
• Advances President Trump’s agenda to revitalize American shipbuilding.
• Fully funds and provides additional authorities for the Department of War to support border security efforts.

FY26 NDAA Bill Text, HERE.

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