Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Provisions to Boost Military Readiness and End Affirmative Action at Service Academies

Strategic Insights -

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully secured numerous provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that will improve military readiness, increase funding for North Carolina military installations, protect the homeland, and strengthen alliances. The bill, which was recently advanced to the Senate floor, includes provisions that will boost troop readiness, support military families, and deliver for North Carolina military installations and manufacturers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY 2026 NDAA includes 3.8% raise across the board for service members, a pilot program to improve Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for North Carolina service members and their families, and the prohibition of affirmative action in U.S. Service Academies admissions.
  • Senator Budd championed authorizing provisions to support various military installations and programs in North Carolina, including Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the North Carolina National Guard.
  • The bill also authorizes $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, North Carolina, and $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham.
  • Senator Budd led the inclusion of several key priorities to protect the homeland, including requiring a plan to ensure installation commanders have adequate guidance and authority to interdict hostile or suspicious drone activity with force immediately.
  • The bill authorizes $80M in funding for U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation, $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation, and $15M in funding for US-Israel Joint Research & Development on Emerging Technologies.

Statistics:

  • The FY 2026 NDAA includes $700M for military construction projects in North Carolina.
  • 3.8% raise across the board for service members.
  • $34M in funding to procure Infantry Squad Vehicles manufactured in Concord, North Carolina.
  • $4M in funding to procure rare earth magnets manufactured in Durham.
  • $80M in funding for U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation.
  • $75M in funding for U.S.-Israel counter-UAS Cooperation.

Sources:

  • "Senate Defense Bill Includes Dozens of Budd-Led Provisions to Boost America's Military Readiness & End Affirmative Action at Service Academies." Press Release by Senator Ted Budd. July 15, 2025.