Voting to Bolster our Nation’s Defense and Support our Troops

In a time where countries like China, Russia, and other bad actors stand at the ready for any opportunity to undermine our nation’s democracy – or democracy across the globe – it is crucial that our nation’s defense stands ready and prepared. This week, the House voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, and it was a privilege to vote for this legislation that was not only a win for our national security but our own Arkansas communities.

Our soldiers are owed a debt of gratitude. And while we will certainly never be able to repay that debt, Congress has the ability to craft legislation that supports our troops and improves their quality of life while they defend democracy.

With a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers, expanding and reauthorizing military bonuses and special pay, increasing Family Separation Allowance, and improving the Basic Allowance for Housing to keep up with the rising cost of rent, Congress is fiscally supporting our troops in ways that are designed to enhance their quality of life so that they can not only take care of their own needs, but the needs of their families and loved ones.

Access to quality health care has long been a desperate need not only for our Veterans, but our active-duty service members. This year’s NDAA works to renovate military hospitals and even build new medical facilities that will provide this needed access to specialty care. Whether it’s bolstering mental health services or lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement for medical appointments from 100 miles to 75 miles, there is no question that this bill has the well-being of our troops in mind.

Our own state was also the recipient of multiple wins that were authorized in the NDAA. Arkansas is proud to stand on the global stage of munitions production, greatly supporting our nation’s readiness capabilities and position as a global defense leader. Supporting organic industrial base sites in the Fourth District, like Pine Bluff Arsenal, through the addition of more production lines and modernization initiatives will only continue to bolster our Pine Bluff community by creating more jobs and economic wins for the surrounding area. 

Additionally, supporting the East Camden community through the evaluation of U.S. stockpiles of critical munitions that are widely produced by major defense contractors not only positively impacts the Camden economy, but keeps Arkansas punching above its weight as it contributes a large portion of our nation’s munitions stockpile.

I’m always proud to support good, commonsense bills that bolster our nation’s defense, support our troops, and create wins for the Fourth District of Arkansas. This week’s passage of NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 certainly met those goals, and I look forward to continuing to work to deliver America-first legislation.