Congressman Keith Self Introduces Eight Amendments to FY 2026 NDAA to Strengthen US National Security

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) has introduced eight critical amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aimed at reinforcing American leadership, modernizing national security policy, and addressing key operational gaps across various domains. The amendments focus on space-based missile defense, nuclear competitiveness, artificial intelligence, force protection, and more, showcasing Congressman Self's dedication to bolstering US national security.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Keith Self has introduced eight amendments to the FY 2026 NDAA, each targeting a specific area of national security policy.
  • Amendment 1 aims to create an "Iron Dome for America" with space-based defense capabilities to counter Chinese and Russian hypersonic and long-range missile threats.
  • Amendment 2 directs the State Department to negotiate at least 20 new Section 123 nuclear cooperation agreements by 2029 to enhance US nuclear competitiveness.
  • Amendment 3 accelerates the adoption of artificial intelligence across key defense mission areas, including logistics, intelligence, maintenance, and cyber defense.
  • Amendment 4 enhances force protection by authorizing the Secretary of War to set interception distances around sensitive military sites.
  • Amendment 5 requires Chinese DJI Technology Co., Ltd. drones to include geofencing features to prevent them from approaching restricted military airspace.
  • Amendment 6 guarantees an immediate pay raise for all Department of War blue-collar workers, ensuring proper compensation for their work.
  • Amendment 7 raises the congressional notification threshold for firearms exports under Category I of the U.S. Munitions List from $1 million to $4 million, streamlining smaller commercial sales while maintaining oversight.
  • Amendment 8 designates Runway 5L/23R at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as the "Lieutenant General Carey Runway," honoring Lt. Gen. Frank E. Carey's contributions to marine aviation.
  • Congressman Self emphasizes the importance of this policy shift, declaring, "This is a systems-level recalibration of how we think about defense readiness."

Statistics:

  • The proposed space-based missile defense strategy aims to integrate space and ground systems within 270 days, update critical asset lists, and require a report to Congress detailing deployment timelines, cybersecurity risks, and infrastructure needs.
  • The State Department aims to negotiate at least 20 new Section 123 nuclear cooperation agreements by 2029, with the intent of renewing expiring ones and enhancing US nuclear competitiveness.
  • The amendment accelerating artificial intelligence adoption expresses Congress's support for expanding pilot programs and deploying AI-enabled systems across key defense mission areas.
  • The proposed amendment regarding Chinese DJI Technology Co., Ltd. drones requires these systems to prevent DJI drones from approaching restricted military airspace, using GPS-based restrictions defined by the Secretary of War.
  • The amendment guaranteeing an immediate pay raise for Department of War blue-collar workers directs the Secretary of War to submit a report within 120 days detailing steps to resolve wage delays and prevent future breakdowns.
  • The new congressional notification threshold for firearms exports under Category I of the U.S. Munitions List will increase from $1 million to $4 million, streamlining smaller commercial sales while maintaining oversight.

Sources:

  • Release from the office of Texas Rep. Keith Self
  • Congressman Keith Self
  • Executive Order 14299 (mentioned in Amendment 2)
  • U.S. Munitions List
  • Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
  • Department of War
  • Section 123 nuclear cooperation agreements (mentioned in Amendment 2)
  • Arms Export Control Act (mentioned in Amendment 7)
  • F/A-18 program (mentioned in Amendment 8)