MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement after voting in support of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Now more than ever, America’s military and defense systems must be effective, efficient, and unmatched. The 2026 NDAA bolsters funding for military activities and construction, and strengthens the Department of Energy’s critical defense operations, including nuclear security. By funding our newly renamed Department of War, we can ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools, training, and resources to fight and win,” said Rep. Brian Babin, D.D.S.

“The United States military represents the best of America, fighting for all we hold dear. Under President Trump, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force have already hit their recruitment goals for 2025, a testament to restored confidence in America’s military strength and mission. At this pivotal moment in our Nation’s history, the FY2026 NDAA marks a major step forward in strengthening American resolve both at home and abroad. I was proud to support it.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

This week, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) advocated for provisions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect families and businesses Northwest Washington state.

He co-led an amendment which would allow Island Health to achieve significant cost-savings, and as a result, the hospital would be able to maintain its current services.

“Rural hospitals like Island Health (IH) are under attack because of President Trump’s Medicaid cuts,” said Rep. Larsen. “IH serves a significant number of local servicemembers and I will keep fighting to protect it so it can keep providing exceptional services.”

Rep. Larsen also submitted an amendment to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to study the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs on military readiness and small businesses that are essential to the defense industrial base.

“The Administration’s unnecessary trade wars are hurting families and businesses in Northwest Washington state,” said Rep. Larsen. “I have heard directly from an international company that shifted manufacturing work from Washington state to Canada and a maritime employer that moved a project from Bellingham to Canada because of tariff uncertainty. DoD must consider how the President’s idiotic trade wars are impacting our military capabilities.”

These two provisions were not included in the House-passed version of the NDAA, but Rep. Larsen will continue to advocate for their inclusion in the final bill.

Larsen Priorities for Health Care, AI, and Ukraine Included

Several of Rep. Larsen’s additional priorities were included in the House-passed version:

A Raise for Servicemembers – The NDAA includes a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers.

Helping Servicemembers and Veterans Start Families – Rep. Larsen’s legislation to help military families access fertility treatments and IVF is included in the NDAA. More information about the IVF for Military Families Act is available here.

AI Literacy for Members of the Military– Rep. Larsen’s legislation to require the Department of Defense to incorporate AI training into its annual cybersecurity training is included in the NDAA. More information about the Next Generation Military Education Act is available here.

Funding to Support Ukraine’s Self-Defense – The NDAA includes $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which builds Ukraine’s capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports institutional transformation initiatives, and advances U.S. political and military objectives.

Larsen Supports Repeal of Authorizations the Use of Military Force (AUMF)

Rep. Larsen supported a bipartisan amendment to repeal two laws authorizing the use of military force in Iraq.

“I am proud to be voting for the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs,” said Rep. Larsen. “This is just one step of many that Congress needs to take to unwind the blanket authority presidents have to conduct war without appropriate congressional oversight.”

Larsen Opposes Attacks on LGBTQI+ Individuals

Ultimately Rep. Larsen voted “no” on the House-passed NDAA.

“I opposed the NDAA because my Republican colleagues turned a bipartisan bill into extremist legislation targeting healthcare for servicemembers, their kids and the LGBTQI+ community,” said Rep. Larsen, who served for 22 years on the Armed Services Committee. “It is my hope the final version of the bill removes cruel, anti-LGBTQI+ attacks and includes bipartisan provisions that improve our servicemembers’ quality of life, strengthen our military communities and keep our commitments to our NATO allies.”

Next Steps

The Senate will soon consider its version of the annual defense policy bill. Once the Senate passes its version of the bill, the House and Senate will work out the differences in their respective versions of the bill before returning a final bill to both chambers for consideration.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Commends House Passage of FY26 Defense Policy Bill

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Cyber, Information Technology and Innovation Subcommittee, joined his House colleagues in voting for H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority of 231 to 196. The annual legislation, which contains multiple amendments and provisions authored by Rep. Bacon, authorizes defense spending and sets the policy and priorities for the Armed Forces.

“For the 65th consecutive year, the House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation that increases our national security and takes care of our servicemembers and their families,” said Rep. Bacon. “In particular, this year’s Defense Authorization reforms the acquisition process, delivering much-needed capabilities to our warfighters to meet the next generation of threats. I commend Speaker Johnson, Chairman Rogers, and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on this significant legislative achievement.”

Highlights from the FY 2026 bill include:

• Sets major reforms to the defense acquisition system to speed development and fielding of modern technologies while reducing bureaucracy
• Authorizes $142.6 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation to field essential technologies like hypersonics, AI, and autonomous vehicles
• Preserves U.S. force posture in Europe and authorizes additional security assistance to the Baltic Nations and Ukraine
• Fully funds modernization of the U.S strategic nuclear deterrent as well as scientific capabilities and nuclear command, control, and communications architectures
• Boots compensation for our servicemembers, reforms military food programs, and upgrades servicemember housing including $1.4 billion for new construction

In addition, the House defense bill contains numerous legislative proposals sponsored by Rep. Bacon, including: 

• Authorization of support to Ukraine and the Baltic Nations of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia to counter Russian aggression
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to prepare an implementation plan to establish a Joint Task Force Cyber for the Indo-Pacific area of operations
• Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide an acquisition and fielding strategy for the F-47 advanced fighter aircraft program
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide an independent assessment of toxic exposure in the Air Force ICBM missileer community
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide an implementation plan to reform Department of Defense (DoD) casualty assistance programs
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network
• Directs significant security upgrades to DoD mobile telecommunications
• Directs the major defense acquisitions programs to prepare digital manufacturing transition plans for critical components
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish the Center for Strategic Deterrence and WMD Studies at the National Defense University
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to improve cancer detection and prevention measures for DoD firefighters
• Directs updates on the U.S. Space Force Satellite Control Network

When compiled, the text of H.R. 3838 can be found here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) today reintroduced legislation that would mandate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans’ emergency health care expenses from non-VA facilities that are not covered by the veteran’s private insurance.

This legislation follows the 2016 Staab v. McDonald and 2019 Wolfe v. Wilkie decisions, which both ruled that the VA must reimburse veterans for these emergency medical expenses.

“No veteran should ever have to worry about whether they can afford costly medical expenses, especially when it comes to an emergency,” said Rep. Dingell. “Yet, the VA is still disregarding court rulings and continuing to deny veterans’ reimbursement claims for any non-VA emergency medical expense. With the Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act, we can address this inexcusable issue head-on and ensure that those who put their lives on the line for us are receiving the proper support and care they deserve through the VA.”

Hundreds of thousands of veterans apply each year to the VA for reimbursement of emergency medical care expenses at non-VA facilities. The VA has always reimbursed emergency care expenses incurred by veterans who do not have health insurance. However, for over a decade, the VA has refused to pay for emergency care expenses if the veterans have other health insurance. This leaves insured veterans on the hook to pay deductibles and coinsurance, which can amount to thousands of dollars for just one episode of care. 

The Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act is endorsed by American Legion, VFW, DAV, PVA, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

“AMVETS fully supports the Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025, which ensures veterans are not saddled with unfair medical debt when seeking emergency care outside the VA,”said AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly. “By fixing existing gaps in the law, this bill provides veterans the full reimbursement they have earned and the peace of mind they deserve.”

“No veteran should face out-of-pocket costs for emergency care simply because they sought treatment outside a VA facility. DAV applauds Representative Dingell for introducing the Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025, a vital measure to protect the health and financial security of our nation’s veterans,” said DAV Deputy National Legislative Director Jon Retzer. “Consistent with DAV Resolution No. 357, which calls for full reimbursement of emergency medical expenses for service-connected veterans, this legislation clarifies reimbursement rules, ensures retroactive relief for those previously denied, and removes unnecessary barriers to care. It is a clear reaffirmation of our nation’s promise to stand by those who served.”

“No veteran should face collections because two benefit systems can’t agree on an ER bill. This legislation brings clarity, fairness, and peace of mind to those who did the right thing and sought emergency care,”said Thomas Burke, National President of Vietnam Veterans of America. “It ensures emergency room cost-shares don’t fall on those who served. This bill closes costly loopholes and centers veterans where they belong, first. Vietnam Veterans of America supports its’ swift passage.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual comprehensive package of legislation that supports American defense and military service members.

The bill now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The FY2026 NDAA includes a 3.8% pay raise for all service members, supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America initiative, and authorizes President Trump’s budget request of over $900 million to fight drug trafficking, among other priorities.

“This year’s NDAA fulfills our America First commitment to protect our homeland and support our service members,” said Rep. Kelly. “This comprehensive defense legislation ensures we are strengthening our military both for today and for years to come.”

BACKGROUND

The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

Fully funds our national defense while cutting costs and improving efficiency

• Authorizes $892.6 billion for national defense discretionary programs. The FY26 NDAA saves taxpayers over $20 billion, including $15 billion in DOGE-initiated savings assumed in President Trump’s budget request.
• Saves taxpayers over $20 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy.

Improves servicemember quality of life to address military recruitment, retention, and readiness
 

• Authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers.
• Reauthorizes and expands military bonuses and special pay.
• Authorizes over $1.4 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing.

The FY26 bill codifies President Trump’s efforts to end left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI in the military and restores focus on lethality, meritocracy, and accountability.
 

• Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of CRT in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.
• Prohibits funds for any DEI activities at DoD.
• Repeals all existing DoD DEI offices, programs, training, activities, and authorities
• Prohibits DoD funding for colleges and universities that have not acted to prevent or mitigate antisemitic demonstrations on their campuses.
• Requires all selections for candidate admission to West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy be based on candidate merit. Service academies may no longer consider race or ethnicity in admissions decisions

Deters Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression
 

• Fully funds the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative at $1 billion
• Increases funding for innovative new technologies needed to deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including hypersonics, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, cyber, mobile micronuclear reactors, and high-energy lasers
• Establishes a new Rapid Capabilities Program within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to enhance the nuclear enterprise’s ability to respond to growing nuclear threats from China and Russia.
• Authorizes funding for U.S. forces to continue training Taiwan and other partner nations in resisting China’s aggression and malign influence.

 

Provides unprecedented levels of support for, our ally, Israel, and the resources necessary to counter our adversaries.

Strengthens our nuclear posture, improves missile defense, and accelerates delivery of space capabilities.
 

• The FY26 NDAA supports President Trump’s Golden Dome for America initiative to defend the nation against hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missile attacks; enhances America’s nuclear deterrent; and accelerates delivery of space capabilities to deter the rapidly expanding Chinese and Russian nuclear arsenals and space capabilities.

Continues DoD support of law enforcement operations along our southwest and maritime borders.
 

• Fully funds and provides additional authorities to DoD to support DHS border security efforts
• Fully funds deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border
• Authorizes President Trump’s budget request of over $900 million to fight drug trafficking.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Latta Votes to Secure America’s Defense, Invest in U.S. Military Equipment, & Promote Peace Through Strength

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Latta Statement on the 24th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

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

WASHINGTON — Tonight, Speaker Johnson joined Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News and The Source with Kaitlin Collins on CNN to reflect on the profound life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

“He was a man of deep faith; he and I talked about that a lot. He was a man of deep conviction,” Speaker Johnson said. “I think he brought more productive content to the free marketplace of ideas than anybody in his generation. He’s a singular talent. He’ll be greatly missed.”

Watch Speaker Johnson on FOX and CNN.

On Charlie Kirk’s impact:

He was a good friend of mine. He was a man of deep faith as you know. He and I talked about that a lot. He was a man of deep conviction. I think he brought more productive content to the free marketplace of ideas than anybody in his generation. He’s a singular talent. He’ll be greatly missed. And it doesn’t even seem real tonight.

He had sharp debates, but he always went and was willing to put his arm around the person that he was debating. And the reason that he was so engaged and so passionate about what he did – I know because he and I talked about this – is because he genuinely loved everybody, and he wanted to bring them to the truth. And he was so effective at doing it. And I don’t know if anybody will be able to fill those shoes. 

On the example set by Charlie:

The great tragic irony about this, one of the tragedies, is that Charlie represented that the best of it. I mean, he’s the guy that was the champion out on the front lines, having the debate, but he loved on the people that disagreed with him, right? He loved it. And he didn’t regard them as enemies. That was the whole point. He loved it. And he loved the debate, he loved the exchange, and he loved the people that were on the other side of the table. And that’s what’s so important for us to remember. We shouldn’t regard one another as enemies. We’re fellow Americans and we should have vigorous debate, but it cannot lead to political violence. It’s just too much.

On the rise of political violence in America: 

We have to call out political violence. I think there is a recognition, some are saying it openly, some more quietly, that the vitriol, the level that is there now, the hatred that has been fomented, there’s a time that we’ve got to turn the volume down. And I think there’s a lot of the people that find pleasure in stoking that fire. And it’s dangerous. There are deranged people in society, and if they are encouraged along this way, they will do dangerous things, increasingly. We see that. I think that members of Congress have come to that recognition. I think many of them are nervous. Of course, they’re public figures. They’re exposed all the time everywhere. We have great security measures for members of Congress, but there’s a desire on many people’s parts to have more. Um, these are, these are the new realities. 

I think social media has been a toxin in politics. I think it has added to this vitriol. But at the end of the day, I think the call is that we’ve got to recognize once more that we are all fellow Americans. We should see one another as colleagues and fellow citizens and fellow countrymen and not as enemies. That’s not what Charlie Kirk represented. He genuinely loved the debate because he genuinely loved the people. And I think that’s a really important thing for us to remember.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Representative Veasey Condemns Republicans Use of Service Members as Pawns for Their Culture Wars

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Veasey has released the following statement regarding the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Traditionally, our country’s armed services have welcomed families of all backgrounds. Ever since President Truman integrated the military, our armed forces have been a place where you come as you are and serve your nation. For the last two iterations of the NDAA, Republicans have used this as a venue for their culture war against marginalized communities,” said Congressman Veasey. “This bill undermines the readiness of our troops and disrespects our service members by politicizing their health care needs. What should have been an apolitical process has been turned into political theater by Republicans. Therefore, I voted ‘No.’”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Aviation Chairman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released the statement below following the third bipartisan Air Traffic Control (ATC)/National Airspace System (NAS) Modernization Working Group listening session: 

“Today marks the third session of the bipartisan ATC/NAS Modernization Working Group. We had a successful conversation with stakeholders who represent those on the frontlines of everyday aviation operations and those who represent the men and women responsible for transporting people, goods, and services across the country and beyond.

“The individuals we spoke with today provided first-hand insight into how our ATC and NAS systems affect airlines and pilots’ duties and how we, as Congress, can make improvements to make their jobs safer and more efficient. 

“From meeting with technology manufacturers to telecommunications providers and other relevant stakeholders, we are fostering an open dialogue that allows industry professionals and Members of Congress to share their perspectives to help guide the revitalization of both our ATC and NAS systems.”