North Michigan News

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, expressed his support for the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). "This NDAA puts our warfighters first. Modernizing their tools, improving safety, and delivering on our promises to military families. It’s about cutting waste, building strength, and putting America First," said Rep. Bergman. "As Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I fought alongside my colleagues to ensure this bill addresses the real challenges facing our servicemembers. We’re delivering results that will make our military stronger, safer, and better prepared for the fight."

The FY26 NDAA includes several key provisions aimed at enhancing military readiness and supporting servicemembers:

- Toxic Exposure Accountability: The act incorporates provisions from the Military PFAS Transparency Act to protect military families from harmful chemicals at various installations.

- Indo-Pacific Strategy: Enhancements are made to logistics and Air Mobility Command’s readiness with expanded manufacturing near forward-operating locations.

- Military Construction Reform: The act cuts costs by eliminating outdated mandates for faster construction of facilities and invests $120 million in new labs.

- Servicemember Housing: An additional $240 million is allocated for new barracks with strengthened oversight of private housing.

- Energy Independence: Next-generation nuclear energy deployment is advanced with a $20 million investment in nuclear fuel.

- Military Aviation Safety: An independent safety review is mandated to improve training and maintenance practices.

- Training Innovation: Use of simulators and synthetic environments is accelerated to improve readiness.

- Maintenance & Readiness: F-35 parts shortages are addressed along with increased funding for ship maintenance.

- Made in America: U.S. supply chains are protected by prohibiting funds from reaching adversaries and requiring American-made supplies.