Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) has issued a statement following the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which authorizes $900.6 billion in national defense priorities, is intended to support U.S. military personnel and their families.
“The passage of the NDAA is first and foremost about keeping faith with the men and women who wear the uniform and the families who stand behind them,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It gives our troops in Eastern Washington a much-needed pay raise, safer barracks to sleep in, better homes for their families, and stronger hospitals and clinics when they need care. It also takes on the drugs flowing into our communities, stands shoulder to shoulder with our allies around the globe, and makes sure they can count on America when it matters most. Supporting this bill was an easy choice, because it honors the sacrifice of those who serve, keeps them safer on and off the battlefield, and reflects the values we share as a nation.”
The NDAA includes several measures such as a 3.8% pay increase for servicemembers, expanded benefits for military families, $1 billion dedicated to combating drug trafficking, over $1.5 billion allocated for new construction of barracks and family housing, and more than $335 million aimed at renovating military hospitals or building new medical facilities. The act also seeks to improve international arms sales processes so that allied nations continue to rely on U.S. partnerships.
In addition to these provisions, funding is authorized for initiatives like $400 million toward Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and full support for joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs under the President’s “Peace Through Strength” policy. Funds are also included for construction projects such as the Golden Dome.
The House passed its version of the NDAA on September 10, 2025; the Senate followed with its own version on October 10, 2025. Bipartisan efforts between both chambers’ Armed Services Committees resulted in a final version that was approved by a House vote of 312-112.
The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate before proceeding to presidential approval.
