House Passes National Defense Authorization Act with Military Pay Raise and Enhanced Pacific Security
Congresswoman Amata is hailing the pay raise for the military in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, passed by the House with a vote of 231-196. The House voted to raise pay for U.S. Service Members by 3.8 percent next year, building on this year's pay raise. The NDAA aims to speed up defense procurements, codify certain Ukraine aid, and strengthens Pacific security, including support for Taiwan. Congresswoman Amata also praised the inclusion of a bipartisan amendment to provide VA healthcare benefits to Veterans from the Freely Associated States.
Key Takeaways:
- The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with a vote of 231-196, authorizing $848 billion in defense spending.
- The NDAA includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for U.S. Service Members next year, building on this year's pay raise.
- The bill aims to speed up defense procurements, codify certain Ukraine aid, and strengthens Pacific security, including support for Taiwan.
- Congresswoman Amata praised the inclusion of a bipartisan amendment to provide VA healthcare benefits to Veterans from the Freely Associated States.
- The NDAA includes support for housing and quality of life improvements, as well as improved acquisition practices.
- The bill emphasizes the importance of Pacific security, with Congresswoman Amata stating that "we must continue the important focus on the security of the vast Indo-Pacific region."
Statistics:
- Vote in the House: 231-196
- Authorized defense spending: $848 billion
- Pay raise for U.S. Service Members: 3.8 percent
- Previous year's pay raise: 4.5 percent
- Last year's NDAA authorized: 4.5 percent pay rise for junior enlisted (E-1 through E-4)
Sources:
- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued a news release on September 11 (Rep.)
- House of Representatives
- Office of Rep. Amata (https://radewagen.house.gov)