Congressman Pat Harrigan, representing North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District, voted in favor of the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA). The legislation authorizes $892.6 billion for national defense programs, introduces reforms at the Pentagon, and aims to provide support for servicemembers, military families, and U.S. security.
“This is not just another bill, it is the backbone of America’s security,” said Congressman Harrigan. “It tells China, Russia, Iran, and every adversary watching that the United States will not back down, will not slow down, and will never hand over its future to those who want to see us weakened. It invests in the most lethal fighting force on Earth, supports the families who sacrifice alongside our troops, and ensures that when America fights, America wins.”
Harrigan was able to secure 17 out of his 18 proposed amendments in the final version of the bill. These include measures to increase U.S. drone production capacity, strengthen special operations forces, implement protections against waste and abuse within the Department of Defense affecting servicemembers, and remove companies owned by the Chinese Communist Party from operating on U.S. military bases.
Key provisions in the FY26 NDAA include a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers along with expanded housing and food allowances. The act also provides improvements in access to military healthcare services and allocates more than $1.4 billion toward new barracks and family housing projects.
The legislation fully funds deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops to assist Border Patrol efforts at the southwest border. It authorizes over $900 million aimed at countering drug trafficking activities while strengthening Department of Defense support for border security.
Acquisition reform is addressed through enactment of the SPEED Act designed to reduce acquisition timelines so advanced technologies can reach warfighters faster at lower costs.
Other elements focus on revitalizing domestic defense manufacturing by expanding surge capacity and investing in American-made drones as well as ships, submarines, and aircraft.
Cost-saving measures are projected to save taxpayers more than $20 billion through reforms such as eliminating certain Pentagon diversity programs, reducing climate change mandates within defense spending priorities, and retiring outdated weapons systems.
The act also maintains full funding for U.S.-Israel security cooperation initiatives while enhancing deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region; it further requires allied nations to contribute more towards their own defense expenditures.
Pat Harrigan has been active politically since winning his seat in Congress after defeating Ralph R. Scott Jr., securing 57.5% of votes compared to Scott’s 38.2% during the 2024 general election.
With House approval complete, consideration now moves to the Senate where timely passage is sought to ensure continued support for military personnel as well as national defense objectives.
