Jackson, Ronny RSS Articles

Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures Major Wins for TX-13 During FY27 NDAA Markup

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) secured key defense priorities for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District and America’s warfighters during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation advanced out of committee with strong support, 44-12, and is expected to be considered by the full House in the coming weeks.

“America faces rapidly evolving threats that demand a modern, lethal, and resilient military,” said Rep. Jackson. “This year’s NDAA will strengthen and modernize our national defense, revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, support our warfighters, and invest in the technologies and capabilities needed to deter our adversaries and win on the future battlefield. I’m proud to have championed policies that support Sheppard Air Force Base, Bell Helicopter, and the Pantex Plant in my district, bolster our Special Operations Forces, and provide our military with the resources needed to deter our adversaries and safeguard American citizens.”

“Chairman Jackson is driving critical efforts to ensure America’s national defense community remains the most capable and effective in the world,” said HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). “Through his leadership of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, he is advancing investments in the FY27 NDAA that accelerate emerging technologies, strengthen our strategic advantages, and provide our warfighters with the capabilities they need to succeed in increasingly complex threat environments. Chairman Jackson understands that preserving America’s technological and operational edge is essential to deterring our adversaries and safeguarding our national security.”

Wins for Amarillo:

Bell

Advances full development of the Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), authorizing $2.141 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation, along with $127.2 million for advance procurement of operational test aircraft.
Supports the incorporation of the Nacelle Improvement Program on 24 United States Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft.
Directs a V-22 Readiness and Modernization Report across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to outline investment plans, readiness improvements, mid-life upgrades, and accelerated nacelle modernization efforts for all V-22 variants.
Fully facilitates the Navy’s H-1 Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program to enhance the performance, survivability, and effectiveness of H-1 aircraft.

Pantex Plant

Section 3115 – Accelerates the timeline for completion of the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility at the Pantex Plant, moving the start of operations from 2034 to 2032.
Directs a briefing on options to enhance the security and operational flexibility of National Nuclear Security Administration activities at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, including potential relocation opportunities within the airport complex.
Authorizes an additional $20 million to accelerate development of the Material Staging Capability project at the Pantex Plant.
Organizes a briefing on the progress of the Pantex Material Staging Capability project, including its finalized conceptual design and initial cost estimates.

Texas Tech University's Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Amarillo

Authorizes $10 million to establish a Joint Neuroscience Demonstration Program focused on developing treatments for the long-term effects of brain injuries in servicemembers.

Wins for Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base:

Section 1107 – Grants the Secretary of War direct hiring authority and competitive pay flexibility to recruit and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors, helping address critical training workforce shortages at Sheppard AFB.
Supports expedited procurement of the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer aircraft to pilot training installations.
Supports Air Force Technical Training Modernization through development of a comprehensive strategy to modernize training for aircraft maintenance, logistics readiness, and munitions and missile maintenance career fields.
Directs an assessment from the Secretary of the Air Force on the benefits of incorporating large rotational student populations at installations like Sheppard Air Force Base into manpower authorizations to improve essential support services and force readiness.

Wins for Special Operational Forces:

Authorizes an additional $1.3 billion for U.S. Special Operations Command to address critical modernization priorities and future battlefield requirements, including funding for 10 additional OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft.
Section 1072 – Directs the Department of War to establish leadership and a long-term strategy for countering ubiquitous technical surveillance, including a plan for a program of record, to strengthen secure communications and develop digital protection capabilities across the force.
Places the Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory under the strategic oversight of the Irregular Warfare Center to ensure alignment of Department-wide irregular warfare objectives.
Examines the feasibility of providing anonymous telehealth-based counseling services for special operations personnel to increase access to mental health and wellness support.
Directs a briefing on the operations, activities, and long-term strategic direction of the Irregular Warfare Center.

Wins for Revitalizing the U.S. Industrial Base:

Section 1809 – Directs the Department of War to account for projected foreign military sales demand in defense industrial base planning, helping to advance President Trump's Executive Order 14383, "Establishing an America First Arms Transfer Strategy," by ensuring foreign military sales are leveraged to strengthen American manufacturing, grow the defense industrial base, create high-quality jobs, and reinforce the nation's long-term military readiness and technological advantage.
Section 152 – Authorizes a multi-year procurement contract for F-35 aircraft, contingent on certification that each aircraft includes the necessary spare parts and mission equipment to support readiness.
Directs a briefing on the Department’s strategy for acquiring affordable, modular air-to-air munitions designed for use by Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Modernizes depot maintenance workload calculations by using a rolling average of past, current, and projected revenue to improve planning and resource allocation.

Wins for Countering Extremist Threats in the Middle East and Africa:

Section 224 – Strengthens the U.S.–Israel alliance and establishes a United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of collaborative, next-generation defense technologies to America's servicemembers, consistent with Rep. Jackson’s U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act.
Provides an additional $45 million for contractor-owned, contractor-operated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support to U.S. Africa Command.
Examines efforts to strengthen defense partnerships in Africa, support counterterrorism initiatives, and counter the malign influence of strategic competitors like China and Russia.
Advances the Department’s efforts to develop and sustain regional unmanned aircraft systems training centers for partner forces across Africa.
Evaluates counterterrorism requirements in West Africa, including an analysis of extremist threats, territorial control, attack trends, and intelligence gaps affecting situational awareness and operational response capabilities.

Wins for Advancing Unmanned Systems and Emerging Technology:

Section 218 – Establishes designated national airspace corridors for testing and training small unmanned aircraft systems to help advance the Department of War’s Drone Dominance Program.
Assesses the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group’s (DAWG) speed of autonomous system adaptation to advance procurement of emerging drone technologies to America’s warfighters.
Provides a $64 million increase to support ground launch demonstrations of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program.
Includes $2.5 million for secure hypersonic prototype manufacturing and $5 million for hypersonic modeling and simulation capabilities research at academic institutions like Texas A&M.
Directs a briefing on Group 3 unmanned aerial systems with potential to perform Group 4 mission sets.
Authorizes a pilot program to evaluate commercially available technologies that strengthen human identity verification for high-consequence cyber and physical security actions.
Accelerates procurement and fleet integration of commercially available small unmanned surface vessels in the U.S. Navy.
Evaluates efforts to assess and adopt AI-enabled assistive technologies for air crew personnel.
Directs the Department to provide a plan to accelerate adoption and deployment of extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles using existing production contracts.
Examines efforts to establish a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute as authorized by Rep. Jackson in the FY26 NDAA.
Directs a briefing on systems for managing seabed data collected from unmanned underwater operations.
Advances efforts to certify, procure, and scale production of electronic safe-and-arm optical proximity fuze systems for counter-UAS applications.
Accelerates the Army’s autonomous cargo handling capabilities in contested logistics environments.
Assesses capabilities developed by the Army’s Contested Logistics Cross-Functional Team to sustain and supply forces on future, highly volatile battlefields.

Wins for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise:

Section 1615 – Directs the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security to issue a biennial assessment and strategy for the Department’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in order to meet intelligence collection requirements.
Supports object-based generative AI for OSINT capabilities for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.
Integrates OSINT training and tradecraft into all-source intelligence analysis training.
Identifies barriers preventing Service Intelligence Centers from transitioning and scaling validated intelligence capabilities that enhance analytic performance, operational awareness, and mission support for Defense Intelligence Enterprise-wide use.

Wins for United States Military Readiness:

Renames the “Department of Defense” as the “Department of War,” restoring the Department’s historic warfighting ethos.
Section 143 – Examines alternatives for developing the next generation of military airlift aircraft.
Section 1603 – Extends the cap on reimbursable indirect space launch fees through FY2031, helping ensure predictable and competitive access to national security launch facilities.
Section 817 – Authorizes federal agencies to acquire critical national security services through usage-based contracts and extends a pilot program testing consumption-based solutions, while requiring recommendations on whether to make the authority permanent.
Provides an additional $11 million for the Advanced Vital Intervention Airborne Training for Emergencies (AVIATE) to expand military-civilian medical training and preparedness, strengthening readiness and response capabilities for large-scale combat operations and major domestic disasters.
Directs the Air Force to assess the operational, cost, infrastructure, and readiness impacts of the decision to retrofit unsuited rotary-wing aircraft for the continuity of government missions and the transport of U.S. officials and security personnel in the National Capital Region.
Examines the Department’s efforts to establish and conduct recurring evaluations of military and civilian medical surge capacity and interoperability, while supporting digital tools that improve medical planning and decision-making in contested environments.
Authorizes the Air Force to partner with commercial providers to strengthen the readiness and reliability of airlift operations, including support for outsized cargo transport capabilities.
Evaluates the Department’s efforts to improve interagency coordination, operational effectiveness, and allied cooperation to counter adversarial gray zone activities.
Analyzes medical sustainment, casualty evacuation, and force health support requirements in future contested environments with significant unmanned systems activity.
Reviews efforts to expand and modernize the Navy's SHARKCAGE cybersecurity program through a unified information technology and operational technology defense architecture across surface and submarine fleets.
Extends a pilot program to improve aerial refueling and fuel management efficiency through AI technologies.
Evaluates hydrogen-based power solutions for military operations in contested and austere environments.
Examines the role of nonprofit youth development organizations in supporting the Department’s recruiting efforts.

Wins for the Well-being of Servicemembers and their Families:

Establishes a joint VA–Department of War Task Force, consistent with Rep. Jackson’s Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act, to coordinate research on cognitive performance, brain protection, and recovery from blast-related neurological injuries affecting servicemembers and veterans.
Section 745 – Directs the Department of War to establish policies and procedures for wellness checks following significant injuries or illnesses to help ensure the health and welfare of affected servicemembers.
Removes the 60-day limit on the accumulation of leave for members of the Armed Forces.
Examines the impact of Military-Connected Academic and Support Program (MCASP) grants and related quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers and their families.
Explores efforts to expand the use of veteran-led nonprofit organizations in POW/MIA recovery missions.

###

Rep. Ronny Jackson Releases Statement on Domestic Detection of New World Screwworm

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) issued the following statement in response to the detection of New World screwworm in Texas:

“Yesterday, Secretary Rollins and her team at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in the United States,” said Rep. Jackson. “The Trump administration has been preparing for this moment for nearly two years and have successfully delayed its arrival longer than many experts thought possible. An outbreak in Texas is estimated to cost our economy nearly two billion dollars in losses, which reinforces why we have consistently pushed for aggressive surveillance and robust eradication efforts throughout Central America and Mexico. Now, it is critical that we remain vigilant and fully support the USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission’s response to mitigate the spread of this threat before it devastates our livestock industry, wildlife populations, and rural economies. I will continue working closely with Secretary Rollins, USDA, and my colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture to ensure every available resource is deployed to protect America’s livestock producers and prevent a widespread outbreak.”

RESOURCES:

Unified Government Response To Protect the United States

Website managed by the USDA to provide timely updates on confirmed New World screwworm cases and information for interested parties.

Texas Animal Health Commission

Website managed by the TAHC to provide timely updates from the State of Texas and resources to report suspected and confirmed screwworm cases.

Contacts - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

USDA and TAHC recommend that ranchers and farmers put eyes on their livestock every day to detect signs of infestation, treat and cover open wounds, and maintain a working relationship with local veterinarians should a suspected case arise.

Current Status of New World Screwworm

Find treatments given Emergency Use Authorization for preventative and reactive use against NWS under the “Latest News” tab linked above.

###

Rep. Ronny Jackson Secures $5.5 Million for Texas Panhandle Priorities in House-Passed Agriculture Appropriations Bill

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced House passage of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes $5.5 million in funding for critical community projects across the Texas Panhandle. The funding supports agricultural innovation, emergency preparedness, public safety, and rural economic development across the region.

"These investments deliver real results for the Texas Panhandle,” said Rep. Jackson. “From supporting cutting-edge agricultural research at Texas A&M and West Texas A&M to strengthening emergency preparedness and public safety in Canyon and Randall County, this funding will help our communities remain strong, safe, and economically competitive. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District, and I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers, ranchers, producers, first responders, and rural communities have the resources they need to succeed."

Rep. Jackson’s Included Community Project Funding:

Texas A&M University Advanced Crop Breeding and Forage Systems Project: $2 million to support agricultural research at the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center in Canyon focused on developing more productive and resilient wheat, corn, peanut, and forage crop varieties.
West Texas A&M University Remote Rangeland Monitoring and Livestock Management System Project: $2 million to help producers remotely monitor livestock health, water systems, and pasture conditions through advanced monitoring technologies and predictive analytics.
City of Canyon Emergency Power Resiliency Project: $500,000 to install emergency power generation at critical municipal facilities, helping to maintain public safety services and ensure the continuity of government operations during disasters, power outages, and severe weather events.
Randall County Fire Station Project: $1 million to support construction of a new fire station, reducing response times and strengthening regional emergency services.

###

ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Joins Secretary Rubio on Advancing America First Foreign Policy and Strengthening Export Controls

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) discussed the State Department's efforts to advance President Trump's America First foreign policy agenda and strengthen U.S. national security during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rep. Jackson also spoke about his recently introduced Strategic Export Control and Border Security Enhancement Act, legislation that would codify the Office of Export Controls and Border Security within the Department of State to strengthen strategic trade controls, improve border enforcement capabilities, and protect sensitive U.S. technologies from malign foreign actors.

“Secretary Rubio has done great work to execute an America First foreign policy that is making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. From confronting the corruption of the Maduro regime to negotiations with Iran to stabilize the Middle East, he has played a critical part in spearheading the Trump administration’s peace through strength initiatives,” said Rep. Jackson. “American leadership should always be on behalf of American interests. Thanks to President Trump’s historic foreign policy initiatives, the U.S. is no longer sitting idly by as other nations take advantage of American financial or military support.”

Click here or above to watch the full Q&A

###

ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson’s Bill Passes House Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) celebrated the passage of his Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs during its recent markup focused on delivering real solutions for America’s veterans and military families.

The bill now advances for further consideration in the House of Representatives.

“The successful passage of this bill through committee is an important step toward ensuring our servicemembers and veterans receive the care they deserve,” said Rep. Jackson. “Under Chairman Mike Bost’s leadership, Republicans are focused on delivering real results for America’s heroes. My bill ensures our government is finally taking a unified approach to protecting brain health, improving treatment, and delivering better long-term outcomes for the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, especially our Special Operations Forces.”

Specifically, this legislation would:

Align the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of War’s research agendas and acquisition strategies focused on mitigating blast overpressure and its long-term effects,
Establish physiological and cognitive performance baselines for active-duty servicemembers and veterans,
Prioritize translational research into sleep therapy, blast-related gut health issues, mobile diagnostics, and neurological recovery,
Monitor sensory decline, including vision, hearing, vestibular function, and stress-related impairments,
Improve continuity of care by integrating diagnostic tools and data-sharing between the Defense Health Agency and Veterans Health Administration, and
Provide annual reports to Congress detailing research progress, clinical advancements, coordination outcomes, recommendations, and best practices.

Full bill text can be found here and additional information can be found here.

###

Rep. Ronny Jackson Introduces Resolution Supporting SOF Week 2026 and Honoring U.S. Special Operations Forces

Wed, 20 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations (ISO) Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18–21, 2026, as “SOF Week.”

Rep. Jackson led the resolution with ISO Subcommittee Ranking Member Jason Crow (CO-06) and Congressional SOF Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-09), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Scott Peters (CA-50).

“America’s Special Operations Forces represent the very best of our military. They are highly trained, deeply committed, and consistently called upon in the most dangerous and complex missions around the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the SOF Caucus, I am proud to lead this resolution recognizing the service of our special operators and reaffirming our commitment to support them and their families.”

“I served in special ops. I know how hard this job is,” said Rep. Crow. “I’ll always support the men, women, and families in the Special Operations Forces community who make many sacrifices for our nation. They always get the job done to keep the American people safe.”

The men and women of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) play an indispensable role in our national security,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I am proud to represent these heroes and honor them for their service to our country.”

"America’s Special Operations Forces deserve support and investment in innovation to keep them at ‘the tip of the spear’ of our military operations. I am especially proud to offer this bipartisan resolution alongside my SOF Caucus Co-chairs as thousands of special operators, military leaders and defense industry partners convene in my hometown of Tampa for SOF Week 2026 to share insights and inform mission and advocacy priorities for SOF,” said Rep. Castor. “The professionals who serve at U.S. SOCOM Headquarters from across the Tampa Bay area and those stationed across the globe are central to America’s national security. They and their families deserve top-tier trainings, resources and care, and the SOF Caucus is committed to ensuring that through our strong bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to work with Rep. Jackson, Peters and Hudson to lead this important bipartisan resolution."

"San Diego is a proud military town that is home to Naval Special Warfare's headquarters in my district," said Rep. Peters. "Our Special Operations Forces (SOF) community conducts some of the most dangerous and challenging missions confronting our country unknown to the American public. Their quiet professionalism too often goes uncelebrated. I support the designation of SOF Week to honor the great skill and sacrifice of these courageous servicemembers and their families who live in San Diego and throughout the country."

The resolution coincides with SOF Week 2026, the premier annual gathering of the global special operations community hosted in Tampa, Florida, by the United States Special Operations Command and the Global SOF Foundation. The event brings together military leaders, operators, policymakers, allied partners, innovators, and defense industry leaders to collaborate on emerging threats, evolving operational requirements, and next generation capabilities supporting the SOF mission.

The resolution highlights the significant contributions of the SOF community across a wide range of missions essential to national defense, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and direct action operations that deter adversaries and protect American interests.

Additionally, it recognizes the unique burdens carried by SOF personnel and their families, including frequent deployments, operational secrecy, and sustained high-risk assignments, and reaffirms Congress’ commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support they need.

Additional co-sponsors include Representatives Cory Mills (FL-07) and Austin Scott (GA-08).

Text of the resolution may be found here.

###

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations (ISO) Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Congressional SOF Caucus, announced the introduction of a resolution in support of SOF Week 2026, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and expressing Congressional support for formally designating the week of May 18–21, 2026, as “SOF Week.”

“America’s Special Operations Forces represent the very best of our military. They are highly trained, deeply committed, and consistently called upon in the most dangerous and complex missions around the world,” said Rep. Jackson. “As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the SOF Caucus, I am proud to lead this resolution recognizing the service of our special operators and reaffirming our commitment to support them and their families.”

“I served in special ops. I know how hard this job is,” said Rep. Crow. “I’ll always support the men, women, and families in the Special Operations Forces community who make many sacrifices for our nation. They always get the job done to keep the American people safe.”

The men and women of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) play an indispensable role in our national security,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I am proud to represent these heroes and honor them for their service to our country.”

"America’s Special Operations Forces deserve support and investment in innovation to keep them at ‘the tip of the spear’ of our military operations. I am especially proud to offer this bipartisan resolution alongside my SOF Caucus Co-chairs as thousands of special operators, military leaders and defense industry partners convene in my hometown of Tampa for SOF Week 2026 to share insights and inform mission and advocacy priorities for SOF,” said Rep. Castor. “The professionals who serve at U.S. SOCOM Headquarters from across the Tampa Bay area and those stationed across the globe are central to America’s national security. They and their families deserve top-tier trainings, resources and care, and the SOF Caucus is committed to ensuring that through our strong bipartisan collaboration. I am grateful to work with Rep. Jackson, Peters and Hudson to lead this important bipartisan resolution."

"San Diego is a proud military town that is home to Naval Special Warfare's headquarters in my district," said Rep. Peters. "Our Special Operations Forces (SOF) community conducts some of the most dangerous and challenging missions confronting our country unknown to the American public. Their quiet professionalism too often goes uncelebrated. I support the designation of SOF Week to honor the great skill and sacrifice of these courageous servicemembers and their families who live in San Diego and throughout the country."

Additional co-sponsers include Representatives Cory Mills (FL-07) and Austin Scott (GA-08).

Text of the resolution may be found here.

###

ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Calls for Stronger Investment in America’s Special Operations Forces in New Op-ed

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — In an opinion editorial published by RealClear Defense, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) highlighted the urgent need to properly fund America’s Special Operations Forces as growing global threats continue to increase the demands placed on these elite servicemembers.

ICYMI: Rep. Ronny Jackson Highlights Need to Restore American Maritime Dominance During Navy Budget Hearing

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) discussed the urgent need to rebuild American naval power and strengthen Marine Corps readiness during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is taking decisive steps to restore maritime dominance and confront growing global threats.

“As the PRC continues to modernize its fleet at a historic pace, the need for a ready and capable American naval force has never been greater,” said Rep. Jackson. “This budget represents a defining moment to reassert the United States as the world’s greatest maritime power, rebuild our industrial base, and deliver a larger, more capable fleet to our Sailors and Marines.”

Testifying before the committee were Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith.

Click here or above to watch the full Q&A

###

Rep. Ronny Jackson Introduces Bill to Combat Illicit Trafficking, Protect U.S. National Security

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the Strategic Export Control and Border Security Enhancement Act, legislation to strengthen America’s strategic trade controls, improve border enforcement capabilities, and prevent the diversion of weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and dual-use technologies to malign foreign actors.

The bill would codify the Department of State’s Office of Export Controls and Border Security (EXBS) within the Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Under the Trump administration, EXBS is tasked with coordinating with U.S. allies and partners to improve export controls, strengthen border enforcement, combat sanctions evasion, and prevent sensitive American technologies from falling into the hands of hostile regimes and criminal networks.

“President Trump has taken decisive action to secure America’s borders and protect our national security, and this legislation builds on that success by strengthening our ability to work with our allies to stop the distribution of dangerous weapons, illicit technology transfers, drug trafficking, and human smuggling before they threaten the United States,” said Rep. Jackson. “As China, Iran, North Korea, and transnational criminal networks continue working to exploit weak international enforcement systems, America must lead a coordinated effort to close those gaps and defend our technological and military superiority.”

The legislation supports the Department of State’s efforts to develop a unified strategy for U.S. export control assistance programs to:

Reduce sanctions evasion and illicit trafficking risks,
Prevent the diversion of sensitive and dual-use technologies to adversaries,
Strengthen secure and resilient global supply chains,
Promote U.S. strategic trade standards internationally, and
Support lawful U.S. exporters through diplomatic engagement and export promotion consistent with national security objectives.

###

Rep. Ronny Jackson Introduces Bill to Fight Somali Fraud

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON — Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) recently introduced the Taxpayer Protection and Somalia Accountability Act, legislation aimed at protecting American tax dollars from fraud, abuse, and diversion to corrupt government officials and terrorist organizations in Somalia.

The legislation comes amid growing concerns surrounding credible reports and criminal convictions involving Somali individuals accused of defrauding U.S. government programs and transferring funds overseas. Evidence suggests that some of these funds ultimately benefit corrupt Somali government officials and al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization operating in the region.

“American taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize corruption, fraud, or terrorism abroad,” said Rep. Jackson. “My legislation will ensure that not one more American dollar is used to benefit corrupt government officials in Somalia or terrorist organizations like al-Shabaab. We must demand full transparency, rigorous oversight, and real consequences for anyone stealing from the American people.”

The Taxpayer Protection and Somalia Accountability Act would:

Suspend U.S. aid to Somalia if adequate safeguards are not in place to prevent fraud and diversion,
Impose visa bans on corrupt current and former Somali government officials and their immediate family members involved in aid diversion, and
Authorize Global Magnitsky sanctions on individuals tied to the Somali government involved in fraud schemes seeking to disenfranchise the American people.

###