Bipartisan FY26 National Defense Authorization Act passes House: Restores Peace Through Strength

December 10, 2025 - WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The House passed the NDAA by a vote of 312–112, authorizing $900.6 billion in defense spending.

Included in this legislation is Rep. Aderholt's DUAL (Defense United Access to Learning) Act and a proposal to support America's domestic textile industry. The FY26 NDAA also includes a 3.8% pay raise for all service members, funds the controversial Golden Dome project and new capabilities, strengthens deterrence, and ends woke programs to make America safer and stronger.

"At a time when national security demands are growing, a stronger military means a more secure future," Rep. Aderholt said in a statment. "FY26 NDAA delivers real wins for America's national security, improves quality of life for our dedicated servicemembers, and advances President Trump's peace-through-strength agenda."

This year's NDAA streamlines foreign military sales, enabling more international demand for Alabama-made equipment. It also directly benefits the state of Alabama by investing in military construction at Alabama bases and bolsters innovation through investments.

The DUAL Act, allows the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to partner with accredited colleges and universities to offer dual enrollment programs for high school students in military families.

In addition, Congressman Aderholt's Amendment #0668 is designed to reform the U.S. domestic textile industry and the Department of Defense's reported shortfalls. This initiative takes a simple but important step by directing the Department of Defense to look more closely at domestic textile procurement for the American textile industry to play a larger role in meeting our defense needs here at home. Both are common-sense measures that ultimately would strengthen our national security and support American jobs.

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL07) also voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. Sewell previously opposed the House bill after Republicans inserted amendments that she considered to be divisive, partisan, and a massive expansion of presidential power. Sewell and her Democratic colleagues successfully removed the vast majority of these Republican provisions from the final House-passed version.

Sewell said that the FY26 NDAA makes important improvements to the quality of life for service members and their families, including a 3.8 percent pay raise for all military personnel. It also includes more efficient and effective methods for the military to acquire supplies and equipment and preserves more than $100 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) secured last year.

"Today, I voted yes on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to support our service members and protect our national security," said Rep. Sewell. "I am happy that this year's NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise to our military personnel, streamlines the process for our troops to secure supplies, and protects funding for our HBCUs."

"While this bill could have been better, I am pleased that Democrats successfully removed some of the most divisive Republican amendments," continued Sewell. "The responsibility to support our service members is one that I never take lightly, which is why I ultimately supported the bill. It remains my hope that House Republicans return to the bipartisan tradition of keeping partisan politics out of our national security."

Rep. Sewell supported the 3.8 percent pay raise for all military personnel.

She also supported provisions that streamlines the Military's Ability to Acquire Critical Supplies and Equipment for our Troops.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement applauding the House passage of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026.

"As we face the most complex security environment since World War II, the FY26 NDAA delivers on President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda and ensures our warfighters are the most ready, lethal, and capable force in the world," said Chairman Rogers. "At the core of this bill is a fundamental overhaul of the Pentagon's broken acquisition system. The FY26 NDAA cuts red tape and focuses defense acquisition on one mission: getting our warfighters the capabilities they need, when they need them."

"I am proud to support this year's National Defense Authorization Act because it is a comprehensive step forward in keeping America safe and keeping our military strong," said Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL01). "This bill provides our troops with the resources, training, and modern equipment they need to meet threats at home and abroad. It strengthens our readiness by ending DEI and rooting out Biden's woke policies, supports our veterans, and invests in the future of our national security. For Alabama families and communities, it means knowing our men and women in uniform are fully equipped to protect our freedom. Passing this legislation is a vote to protect American families and honor the service, sacrifice, and dedication of those who defend our nation every single day."

Rep. Dale W. Strong's (R-AL05) championed a provision to alleviate Redstone Arsenal Gate bottlenecks as part of S. 1071, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

"This provision will ensure the thousands of employees, contractors, and service members who travel through these gates will have secure and efficient access as Redstone's mission continues to expand," said Rep. Dale Strong.

The provision will grant the Department of War greater flexibility to use short-term contracts for security guard and firefighter personnel, ensuring base gates and emergency services remain fully staffed when personnel gaps arise.

Without a large population of junior enlisted personnel to perform security guard functions when needed, Redstone has faced gate closures and traffic delays.

"By modernizing this outdated law, installations facing security guard or firefighter shortages will have the authority they need to bring in contracted personnel, keep operations smooth, and stay focused on their mission," said Strong.

Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) said on X, "The FY26 NDAA is a win for the American people.

Pay raise for service members

Codifies 15 of Trump's Executive Orders

Securing the border

Ending DEI in our military

Bans men in women's sports at all military academies

Peace through strength!"

Congressman Shomari Figures (D-AL02) said on X, "Our service members sacrifice every day to keep us safe, and they deserve better pay, housing, and access to meals. The pay increase, along with strengthened food programs and improved housing allowances, is a step in the right direction, but more remains to be done for the military community. These provisions will benefit service members and their families, from Maxwell Air Force Base and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile in my district to communities across America, and support for HBCUs like Alabama State and Tuskegee, driving resources and opportunities back into our communities."

"This is a strong, bipartisan bill that supports our servicemembers and their families, revitalizes our defense industrial base, and sends a clear message to our adversaries," said Rogers. "I urge the Senate to quickly pass the FY26 NDAA so President Trump can sign it and we can begin implementing his agenda."

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