This week, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) voted to pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Marking its 65th consecutive passage, this year’s NDAA delivers a generational investment in America’s national defense, strengthening our military, bolstering deterrence against adversaries, and ensuring the United States remains the world’s leading superpower. It reaffirms our commitment to peace through strength and provides our servicemembers with the resources they need to keep our nation safe.
“This NDAA is about one thing: ensuring America remains the strongest, safest, and most capable nation in the world,” Rep. Yakym said. “This bill delivers critical investments in our warfighters, bolsters our deterrence against growing threats, increases pay for our troops, and supports the defense industry and workforce in Indiana. This legislation strengthens our national security and upholds our commitment to the men and women who defend our nation.”
Key Provisions
- Enhances peace through strength.
- Provides a pay raise for servicemembers.
- Invests in resources for servicemembers and their families.
- Strengthens American deterrence by expanding missile defense and providing critical resources and authorities to counter adversaries.
- Ensures our Armed Forces have the capabilities needed to prevail in future conflicts by accelerating innovation and prioritizing cutting-edge technologies such as hypersonic and autonomous systems.
- Additional funding to keep the Southern border secure.
- Revitalizes the defense industrial base.
- Reforms the defense acquisition process.
Indiana-Specific Provisions
- Authorizes $168 million for Marine Corps procurement of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).
- Includes an $80 million plus-up for Marine JLTV procurement, enabling 224 additional vehicle purchases.
- Supports a $55 million authorization for the Indiana National Guard’s Shelbyville Armory.
- Supports a $18 million authorization for the Indiana National Guard F-16 training facility at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne.
- Accelerates U.S. hypersonic research and development by expanding test corridors, supporting Indiana’s advanced materials and defense-manufacturing sectors, expanding workforce and university research opportunities, and positioning the state to benefit from growing hypersonic industrial base.
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