Deluzio Fights Price Gouging, Secures Wins for Western PA in Annual Defense Bill

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) marked up the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee, securing numerous wins for Western Pennsylvania and the country. The bill addresses strategic challenges across the globe, including the war in Ukraine and intensifying competition with China. Deluzio's amendment aims to combat defense industry price gouging by requiring contractors to report significant price increases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Deluzio's amendment to fight defense industry price gouging was included in the 2026 NDAA, requiring contractors to report price increases of more than 25% over the preceding year or 50% over any period of five years.
  • The bill authorizes an additional $2.5 million in funding for long-range precision fires technology, which is being researched at Western Pennsylvania institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Deluzio secured a new report about technology and disposal methods of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a crucial step given the Defense Department's consideration of incinerating PFAS "forever chemicals" in East Liverpool, Ohio.
  • The Depot Investment Reform Act, a bill sponsored by Deluzio, strengthens federal investment in military depots, including those in Pennsylvania.
  • The bill includes various national priorities, such as adjusting annual reporting on Navy shipyard modernization efforts, extending national guard activation days, and requiring a report on artificial intelligence data centers.

Statistics:

  • 55-2 vote in the House Armed Services Committee to pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
  • 25% increase in price over the preceding year or 50% over any period of five years before contractors must report significant price increases.
  • $2.5 million additional funding authorized for long-range precision fires research.
  • 3-day extension of national guard activation days, with optional extensions of 7 and up to 46 days.

Sources:

  • Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pennsylvania. (2023). Deluzio Fights Price Gouging, Secures Wins for Western PA in Annual Defense Bill. [Press Release]. Deluzio.house.gov.
  • [Link to online version of the press release, not included due to the size limit]