Senator Ted Budd, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has announced the advancement of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to the Senate floor. The bill includes several provisions led by Senator Budd aimed at enhancing military readiness and improving conditions for service members.
Senator Budd expressed his satisfaction with the inclusion of these provisions: “I’m proud that the FY 2026 NDAA contains dozens of provisions I led that will boost America’s fighting force in North Carolina and around the world by improving our facilities and programs, bolstering America’s air superiority, reducing regulatory burdens, supporting our friend and ally Israel, combatting terrorism, and banning discriminatory affirmative action policies at the service academies.”
The bill proposes a range of measures to support military personnel and their families. Among these are a 3.8% pay raise for service members and a pilot program to improve housing allowances for North Carolina service members. It also seeks to prohibit affirmative action in admissions at U.S. Service Academies.
Significant funding is earmarked for military installations across North Carolina. This includes over $700 million authorized for construction projects and planning. Specific allocations include $40 million for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point’s F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center and $90 million for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s Special Operations Forces Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility.
The act also focuses on homeland protection by requiring plans to counter hostile drone activities and expanding counter-drone capabilities within the Army.
Further provisions address international security concerns, such as cutting red tape to enhance fighter aircraft training against threats from China. Additionally, substantial funding supports U.S.-Israel cooperation on anti-tunnel efforts and counter-UAS operations through December 2028.
In summary, this defense bill aims to strengthen America’s military capabilities while addressing domestic infrastructure needs and international security challenges.
