FY26 Defense Bill Advances President Trump and Chairman Calvert’s National Security Priorities

Today, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) praised the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill. The bill was part of a package of appropriation bills that included funding for Defense; Homeland; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

“Keeping America safe is our top priority in Congress and the defense appropriations bill passed today will help achieve that fundamental objective,” said Chairman Calvert. “The bill advances my strategic goals as Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee which align with the Trump Administration’s America First’ agenda. By establishing a new Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network and advancing programs that leverage American innovation, we are strengthening our military superiority and ability to build weapons at scale. We also continue to target international drug cartels and narco-terrorists – who are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans – by investing in National Guard counter-drug programs. Our servicemembers are the most essential component of our national security strategy and this bill invests in these heroes with a 3.8% pay raise and continues pay increases for junior enlisted servicemembers.”  

The Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations bill advanced Chairman Calvert’s national security priorities:

• Champions America’s military superiority by:
  • Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX
  • Boosting production of munitions critical to winning conflicts with pacing adversaries like China.
  • Maximizing American production through funding the establishment of a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network at $177.4 million.
  • Accelerating hypersonic flight tests by providing $4.5 billion for hypersonic test infrastructure, testing, and weapons systems.
  • Scaling capacity of critical suppliers by allowing the Office of Strategic Capital to access over $4.3 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
  • Enabling increased competition through elevated investments in the Defense Innovation Unit ($429.5 million) and Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies, or APFIT ($400 million).

• Cares for our troops and their families by:
  • Delivering a 3.8% pay raise for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026

  • Supporting the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce Permanent Change of Station moves to improve quality and stability of life for servicemembers.

     

• Combats international actors who facilitate drug manufacturing and trafficking into the country by:
  • Providing $1.1 billion for counter-drug programs.
  • Increasing funding for the National Guard Counter-Drug Program.

  • Including report language to maintain the current United States Southern Command headquarters to signal sustained United States commitment to the Western Hemisphere.

     

• Shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense by:
  • Cutting over $1.2 billion to reflect savings attributable to efficiencies, streamlining of functions, and management improvements in the Department of Defense.
  • Cutting $550 million to reflect savings due to favorable bulk fuel rates.
  • Advancing innovation efforts, increasing competition, and driving down costs.

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