The Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill has passed as part of a broader appropriations package, securing funding for the Department of Defense and several other federal agencies. The bill was praised by Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41), who emphasized its alignment with national security priorities.
“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.”
Key provisions in the legislation include increased investment in advanced aircraft such as the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX models, as well as expanded production of munitions needed to address challenges from countries like China. The bill allocates $177.4 million to establish a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network intended to boost domestic manufacturing capacity.
To accelerate technological development, $4.5 billion is set aside for hypersonic flight testing infrastructure and related weapons systems. The Office of Strategic Capital will have access to more than $4.3 billion through loans and guarantees to expand critical supplier capacity.
The legislation also increases funding for innovation initiatives within the Department of Defense, including $429.5 million for the Defense Innovation Unit and $400 million for programs aimed at quickly procuring new technologies.
Support for military personnel includes a 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026, along with efforts aimed at reducing permanent change-of-station moves to enhance stability for service members’ families.
In response to concerns about international drug trafficking organizations, the bill provides $1.1 billion toward counter-drug programs, raises funding levels for National Guard Counter-Drug operations, and maintains support for United States Southern Command headquarters operations.
Efforts to improve efficiency within the Department of Defense are reflected by cuts totaling over $1.2 billion due to streamlining measures and management improvements, along with an additional $550 million saved from lower bulk fuel rates.
Ken Calvert has represented California’s 41st District in Congress since 1993 (https://calvert.house.gov/about). He was born in Corona, California in 1953 and currently resides there (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059). Calvert graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s degree in 1975 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059).
