WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the passage of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026.
“This year’s NDAA codifies our commitment to our Armed Forces and Louisiana. By modernizing our weapons systems and streamlining the Department of War’s (DoW) acquisition process, we are solidifying the American military’s position as the most lethal fighting force on the planet,” said Congressman Higgins. “This legislation strengthens our defense industry businesses and supports our military bases. I worked closely with my colleagues in committee and on the House floor to secure provisions that build on our budget reconciliation bill and protect Louisiana’s interests. We were quite successful in that endeavor, and the final NDAA text reflects many of our priorities.”
Throughout the course of the year, Congressman Higgins helped secure these provisions in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act that will directly benefit Louisiana:
- Ensuring that the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Southern Command report on the requirements needed for the rapid fielding of multi-mission small-unmanned surface vessels.
- Authorization for a DoW-led pilot program partnering with regional universities and medical centers to support surge medical capacity.
- $50.72 million for the procurement of 40-foot patrol boats.
- $320 million for the Ship-to-Shore Connector program.
- $140 million for the Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing (YRBM) barges. The NDAA also gives the U.S. Navy multiyear procurement authority for the YRBM program to facilitate and maintain an accelerated schedule.
- Requiring that all F/A-18E aircraft procured by the DoW in FY2022 and FY2023 be delivered to the Navy Reserve to support our nation’s deployable strike fighter capability at Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans.
- Requiring a report from the U.S. Navy on efforts to transition separating Navy personnel to the dredging industry.
- Urging the Department of Defense to prioritize investment in domestic hydrazine production enhancements, including facility improvements.
- $32 million for the acceleration of the production of modern dump trucks for the U.S. Army, replacing outdated vehicles.
- $80 million for the Platform Supply Vessel pilot program for U.S. Navy Pacific logistics.
- Requiring the DoW to examine ways to promote cost savings on building resiliency projects including traditional and modular protective buildings.
- $18 million for a Weapons Generation Facility dormitory at Barksdale Air Force Base.
- $2.2 million for the design of a new Child Development Center at Barksdale Air Force Base.
- Establishing Air Force Global Strike Command as an Air Force Major Command, solidifying Barksdale Air Force Base as a national leader.
Congressman Higgins also worked with his colleagues to align this year’s NDAA with President Trump’s agenda, securing the following conservative victories:
- Permanently ending all existing DoW DEI offices, programs, activities, and trainings and prevents any new DEI activities from taking place.
- Saving taxpayers over $1 billion with cuts to climate-change related spending.
- Fully funding the deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.
- Fully funding the U.S. commitment to Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling.
- Making significant reforms to Defense acquisition systems to shift the focus of the DoW to cost-effective rapid fielding of new capabilities and remove barriers to adopting commercial innovation.
