WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) championed Texas’ defense priorities during the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation passed out of committee with strong support, 55-2, and is expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks.

“Today, the House Armed Services Committee advanced the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “I’m proud to have secured major wins and investments for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District, including support for Pantex, Bell Helicopter, Sheppard Air Force Base, and more. This year’s NDAA enhances the military’s efficiency and readiness, supporting President Trump’s and Secretary Hegseth’s commitment to building a modern, lethal force. Thanks to Chairman Mike Rogers’ leadership we are delivering a strong America First NDAA that will have a lasting impact on our warfighters, their families, and our national defense.”

“Chairman Ronny Jackson is leading the charge to ensure America’s special operations forces and intelligence community stay ahead of our adversaries,” said Chairman Mike Rogers. “Through his vital work on the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, he’s delivering investments in the FY26 NDAA that strengthen cutting-edge technologies and equip our warfighters with the tools they need to keep America safe. Chairman Jackson knows that maintaining our edge in advanced tech is essential to defeating threats in the shadows and preserving our national security.”

National Wins:

• Quality of Life and Readiness: The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) NDAA increases recruitment, expands training opportunities, prioritizes innovative capabilities, and improves Servicemembers’ Quality of Life.
• Deterrence and Innovation: The FY26 NDAA prioritizes modern weapons, Artificial Intelligence, hypersonics, and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or any other adversary.
• Acquisition Reform: Defense funding should go to safeguarding our warfighters and advancing our national security, not entrenched bureaucracies. By reforming acquisition, cutting red tape, and improving Congressional oversight, we can streamline operations and improve efficiency for taxpayers.
• Peace Through Strength: This bill delivers on President Trump’s promise to rebuild America’s military power, restore deterrence, and put America First.

Wins for Amarillo:

• Modernizes the V-22 Osprey fleet with upgrades such as the nacelle improvement program.
• Highlights critical upgrades, such as the Structural Improvements and Electrical Power Upgrades, which expand the capabilities of the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y helicopters.
• Advances warhead assembly and disassembly modernization at the Pantex Plant to ensure this critical facility keeps pace with Department of Defense modernization.
• Requests a modernization plan from the Office of Secure Transportation for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
• Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to accelerate the fielding of the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

Wins for Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base:

• Requires the United States Air Force to establish a Technical Training Center of Excellence, positioning Sheppard Air Force Base for designation due to its incomparable technical training expertise.
• Drives the Department of the Air Force to upgrade logistics and maintenance training and incorporate improved information technology systems.
• Supports expedited production of the T-7 aircraft program and calls on the Department of the Air Force to explore opportunities to accelerate the delivery of the aircraft to pilot training installations like Sheppard AFB.
• Directs the Air Force to consider expanding and strengthening the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program to include Pacific allies like Japan and Australia.
• Allows American pilots to use Link-16 secure communications capabilities in all special airspaces, so our pilots can train the way they fight.
• Ensures Congressional oversight of Air Force aircraft readiness rates, including for fighter and trainer jets.
• Directs the Air Force to provide a plan to maximize pilot training throughout.

 Wins for Special Operational Forces (SOF):

• Grants SOF rapid acquisition authority and authorizes $100 million to meet urgent mission needs.
• Examines how the Global Force Management framework supports fast, flexible responses to emerging threats and strategic signaling.
• Authorizes U.S. Special Operations Command to launch a digital force protection pilot program to identify security gaps, train teams, and test secure communications tools.
• Places U.S. Special Operations Command in charge of the Irregular Warfare Center.

Wins for Military Readiness:

• Prohibits Department of Defense funding from universities like Columbia and Harvard where academic administrators have failed to address antisemitic demonstrations on their campuses.
• Calls on U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Transportation Command to identify stealth transport and refueling requirements.
• Establishes partnerships between the Department of Defense and Industry to expedite approvals of critical minerals and rare earth magnet sources outside of China. 
• Supports Army efforts to acquire a robust inventory of counter-drone systems.
• Authorizes the establishment of a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute to advance warfighting capabilities and collaboration between the Department of Defense, academic institutions like Texas A&M, and industry.
• Champions joint directed energy research and testing for counter-drone use.
• Advances the Army Research Lab’s partnership with universities, including the University of North Texas, working on hypersonic weapons propulsion and materials.
• Elevates the capabilities of surface- and ground-launched Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles.
• Strengthens critical mineral recovery efforts to reduce reliance on China for rare earth elements.
• Highlights the essential functions of Expeditionary Medical Ships.
• Promotes depot maintenance considerations to inform Joint Force wartime requirements.
• Reviews existing U.S. and host nation air and missile defense capabilities protecting U.S. military personnel and equipment at Al Udeid Air Base to ensure adequate protection of American servicemembers.
• Promotes the use of predictive analytics at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.

Wins for Servicemember Healthcare and Benefits:

• Establishes a new brain research program to treat the more than 300,000 servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.
• Builds on previous year’s efforts to improve support, care, and accountability across all military branches.
• Examines the Department of Defense’s wound care strategy, including prevention, treatment, and infection control in future operations.
• Praises the Secretary of Defense’s Quality of Life efforts and supports childcare needs at military installations.
• Explores the feasibility of establishing co-working spaces for military spouses at remote military installations in the United States.
• Supports greater accountability for privatized housing contractors amid ongoing housing quality concerns.

###