Congressman Ed Case Votes Against Initial House Version of National Defense Authorization Act

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Ed Case of Hawaii has voted against the initial House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 due to concerns over the bill's handling of the Defense Department's recent misconduct and the impact on national security. Despite voting against the bill, Case noted that he had successfully included several amendments that address the needs of Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific region.

Case expressed concerns over the disruptive and destructive leadership of the past eight months, citing erratic behavior, leaks of sensitive information, and the marginalization of dedicated military personnel. He emphasized that the bill does not address these issues and instead prioritizes divisive and irrelevant mandates.

However, Case highlighted several provisions that he had requested, including $1.7 billion in military construction projects in Hawaii, such as a water treatment plant at Red Hill, a new dry dock at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and missile range buildings.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Ed Case voted against the initial House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) due to concerns over the Defense Department's recent misconduct and its impact on national security.
  • The bill does not address issues of erratic leadership, leaks of sensitive information, and the marginalization of dedicated military personnel.
  • Case requested $1.7 billion in military construction projects in Hawaii, including a water treatment plant at Red Hill and a new dry dock at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
  • Several amendments that Case proposed were included in the NDAA, such as directing the Assistant Secretary of Defense to assess critical infrastructure investments needed in Hawaii and directing the Army to conduct a study on expanding reserve contracted wartime sealift capacity.
  • The bill includes provisions for improving the military's foreign exchange programs, enhancing defense industrial cooperation between the US and Indo-Pacific allies, and expanding access to military housing and education programs.
  • The NDAA also includes a 3.8% pay raise for members of the armed forces and provisions for expanding obstetrical and gynecological care, mental health services, and access to food on military installations.

Statistics:

  • $1.7 billion in military construction projects in Hawaii
  • 3.8% pay raise for members of the armed forces
  • 460 units of military housing to be privatized at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
  • $23 million secured by Case for clearwell and booster pumps at Fort Shafter
  • $25 million allocated by Case for electrical distribution upgrades at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
  • $1.4 billion for Pacific Deterrence Initiative construction
  • $162 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's Military Construction Pilot Program

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congressman Ed Case (HI-01)
  • United States Department of Defense
  • Congressional Research Service
  • Federation of American Scientists