Newhouse Votes for Strong National Defense, Troop Pay Raise

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act by the House of Representatives with a vote of 221-209.

"It is no secret that America’s adversaries are hard at work around the world, and House Republicans have delivered critical funding to ensure we maintain the upper hand," said Rep. Newhouse.  

Newhouse continued, "This legislation invests in next generation aircraft, modernizes our nuclear triad, and supports the Golden Dome initiative to protect us here at home. I am also glad to see a pay raise for our troops alongside pay increases to retain junior servicemembers across our armed forces. I thank Subcommittee Chairman Calvert and full Committee Chairman Cole on their leadership and commitment to keeping national security the priority in this legislation."  

The Defense Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $831.5 billion, which is flat to the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The legislation invests in America’s military superiority, takes care of our troops and their families, and protects against threats at America’s border.

Military Strength 

• Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.
• Supporting the modernization of the nuclear triad: the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel.
• Targeting resources for unmanned aerial systems, uncrewed maritime platforms, and land-based counter-unmanned aerial systems to advance capabilities and strengthen our national defense.
• Investing in national security space, including proliferated missile warning, missile tracking satellite, and next generation intelligence collection systems to ensure  
  national leaders have real-time global situational awareness.
• Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
• Providing over $2.6 billion for hypersonics programs.

Support for Servicemembers and Families 

• Including an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
• Continuing historic pay increases enacted in Fiscal Year 2025 for junior enlisted servicemembers.
• Improving quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by slowing permanent change of station moves, saving over $662 million.

Combatting Threats at the Southern Border 

• Providing $1.15 billion for counter drug programs, which is $245 million above the 
  budget request.
• Increasing funding for the National Guard Counterdrug Program.
• Transferring Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.

Bill text before amendments can be found here. 

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