The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) made its way from the Senate to the House Armed Services Committee for a lengthy mark-up process. After fourteen hours of debate, Rep. Rich McCormick (R) and the other members voted to approve the bill and send it to the House Floor.
This year’s NDAA serves multiple purposes to enhance the defense capabilities of our military. It will improve the pay and quality of life for our servicemembers, streamline the defense acquisition process, and provide our military with the tools they need.
In a press release from Rep. McCormick’s congressional office, it was revealed how the congressman worked to include provisions beneficial to Georgia's military bases and industry.
For example, one of the provisions establishes an Air Force-Navy plan for future procurement of the C-130J aircraft manufactured in Marietta. Another procures funding for the EC-37B Compass Call aircraft, which will be manufactured in Savannah.
Funding for the Georgia National Guard was also secured for the gathering of heavy dump trucks used for natural disaster relief.
Other provisions are more broadly concerned with Georgia’s defense infrastructure. For example, one provision provides funding for the use of artificial intelligence in conducting predictive maintenance for military aircraft and improving efficiency at public shipyards.
Another provision incentivizes the adoption of technology and training methods, dramatically increasing the lethality and efficiency of Army helicopter pilots.
Rep. McCormick boasted about the effectiveness of this year's NDAA and drew on his experience as a Marine for inspiration. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, he has worked on three of these bills so far.
"This year’s NDAA is a bold victory for President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda and a decisive investment in America’s national security," Rep. McCormick commented. “As a Marine and Member of Congress, it is a deep honor to shape policy for the future of our military.”
Rep. McCormick continued, “This year’s NDAA enhances our military’s readiness, competitiveness, and lethality. I will never stop fighting to ensure our warfighters have every tool they need to win – anytime, anywhere.”
