Congressman Mike Lawler Votes in Favor of Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act

Strategic Insights -

The House recently passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voting in favor of the bill. This annual defense bill aimed to deliver for servicemembers and their families by providing a 3.8 percent pay raise, investing in housing and childcare, improving healthcare and education benefits, and making life safer on bases across the country. The bill also strengthens U.S. alliances and global leadership by fully funding U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, expanding bilateral efforts to counter terrorism, and making major investments in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, the bill includes funding to bolster U.S. allies in Europe and Ukraine as they face ongoing challenges and conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers, as well as investments in housing and childcare, healthcare, and education benefits.
  • The bill strengthens U.S. alliances and global leadership by fully funding U.S.-Israel defense cooperation and expanding bilateral efforts to counter terrorism.
  • The bill invests heavily in the Indo-Pacific region, with major investments in next-generation technologies like AI and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
  • Congressman Lawler also authored a bipartisan amendment recognizing the heroic women of the WWII Cadet Nurse Corps, which passed the House by voice vote.
  • He supported the expansion of America's military strength by authorizing investments in missile defense, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, autonomous systems, nuclear capabilities, and space programs.
  • Lawler opposed efforts to cut U.S. aid to Ukraine and reaffirmed his commitment to standing with Ukraine in its fight for freedom.
  • He strengthened penalties for trespassing and security violations on military property.

Statistics:

  • 3.8 percent: the pay raise for servicemembers provided by the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA.
  • 100 million: the amount of funds stolen from servicemembers' families in a scheme that Lawler supported cracking down on.
  • 2025: the year in which Lawler was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
  • 17: the number of the Congressional District that Lawler represents, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

Sources:

  • Press Release from Congressman Mike Lawler, September 12, 2025
  • Congressional Record, September 10, 2025