Banks delivers key Indiana wins in the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after helping secure key legislative priorities in the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said, “This bill helps grow Indiana’s role in national defense and makes sure our servicemembers have what they need to keep the country safe.”

Wins secured by Senator Banks in the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

1. Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) – $490 million for procurement of JLTVs by all services, $300 million over the President’s Budget request. Made in Mishawaka.
2. Humvees – $100 million increase for modernization of Army National Guard Humvees, also done in Mishawaka.
3. Air National Guard Base Operations – $3 million increase to procure long overdue arresting gear systems for Air National Guard units, such as the 122^nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.
4. Hypersonics – Increased funding for multiple programs tied to NSWC Crane, Purdue, and Notre Dame.
   1. $203 million increase over the President’s Budget request for the MACH-TB hypersonics testing program, run by NSWC Crane.
   2. $5 million increase for hypersonic ground test and digital infrastructure enhancements
   3. $5 million increase for hypersonic test and evaluation workforce
5. Quantum Corridor – $10 million increase for the establishment of a quantum communications corridor in Indiana.
6. Sonobuoys – $289 million for sonobuoys made in Columbia City, a $40 million increase over the President’s Budget request.
7. Advanced Manufacturing – $15 million increase for advanced manufacturing of energetic materials

8. Micro Nuclear Reactors – $41 million increase for nuclear reactor projects, tied to BWXT in Mount Vernon, IN.

9. National Security Language Programs – $20 million increase for national security language programs, like those at Indiana University.

10. Digital Navigation Buoys – $4.8 million within the Army Corps of Engineers for a digital navigation buoys pilot program within inland waterways that will benefit Ohio River navigation. 

11. Nuclear Science – $2.5 million for academic nuclear science research at universities with strong ROTC programs, such as Notre Dame.