Military Pay Raise and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which included a 3.8 percent pay raise for U.S. Service Members. The House voted 231-196 to pass the bill, building on this year's pay raise. The bill, titled the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (SPEED Act and FY26 NDAA), aims to speed up defense procurements, codify certain Ukraine aid, and strengthen Pacific security, including support for Taiwan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with a vote of 231-196, which includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for U.S. Service Members.
  • The pay raise is building on this year's pay raise and is aimed at supporting the well-being of military personnel and their families.
  • The bill includes major provisions to strengthen Pacific security, including support for Taiwan, and codify certain Ukraine aid.
  • The House-passed bill also includes a bipartisan amendment to provide VA healthcare benefits to Veterans from the Freely Associated States.
  • Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed the passage of the bill, stating that it is a well-earned pay raise for dedicated military personnel, including her own Toa o Samoa.
  • The Senate has a version of the NDAA, which authorizes $32 billion more than the House, and Armed Services Committee leaders are hopeful that a compromise can be crafted and passed before Thanksgiving.
  • The bill includes a provision to speed up defense procurements, improve acquisition, and build on other aspects of the previous bill.

Statistics:

  • The House voted 231-196 to pass the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026.
  • The bill includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for U.S. Service Members.
  • The Senate's version of the NDAA authorizes $32 billion more than the House.
  • Last year's NDAA for fiscal year 2025 included a 4.5 percent raise for all military and a 14.5 percent increase for junior enlisted (E-1 through E-4).
  • The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 is the largest Defense authorization bill, comprising all aspects of the Pentagon's operations, including training and equipment.

Sources:

  • [Congresswoman Aumua Amata's statement](https://www.house.gov/district-as/us/awest/samoastatementhouse.inaly)
  • [House Armed Services Committee Press Release](https://armedservices.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-ndaa-for-fiscal-year-2026)
  • [United States House of Representatives](https://www.house.gov/)