WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) celebrated the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), landmark legislation that strengthens America’s national security, supports servicemembers, and advances Republicans’ peace-through-strength agenda.
The NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion in national defense discretionary funding, including a 3.8% raise for all service members, and makes generational investments to ensure the U.S. military remains the strongest fighting force in the world. The bill enhances readiness, accelerates innovation, reforms defense acquisition, revitalizes the defense industrial base, and improves the quality of life for servicemembers and their families.
Congresswoman Houchin also secured a major legislative victory with the adoption of her amendment in the final package. Her measure prioritizes the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technology at installations that support naval operations in the Mid-Atlantic region, helping strengthen America’s energy resilience and national security.
“This year’s NDAA delivers on our commitment to restoring peace through strength and ensuring our servicemembers have every advantage to defend our nation. I’m especially proud that my amendment to prioritize advanced nuclear technology was included in the final bill. This will enable key naval-support installations, like NSC Crane, to participate in a pilot program to bring small modular nuclear reactors into the DOD footprint. It is a strategic win for America’s long-term security, our energy independence, and our military readiness. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to stay ahead of our adversaries and protect our homeland,” said Congresswoman Houchin.
The FY26 NDAA makes critical investments to:
- Streamline defense acquisition to get warfighters the tools they need, faster.
- Strengthen nuclear deterrence and missile defense systems;
- Strengthen border security through troop support and expanded counter-narcotics capabilities;
- Counter adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea;
- Expand U.S. production capacity and rebuild the defense industrial base.
- Support military families with improved pay, housing, education, and childcare.
The NDAA now moves to the Senate as the legislative process continues.
