FILE - In this June 24, 2009 file photo, U.S. Army soldiers are seen at the archaeological site of Babylon, about 80 kilometers, 50 miles, miles south of Baghdad, Iraq, A reader-submitted question about the difference in designation among the American troops deployed throughout the world _ i.e., NATO, coalition, UN peacekeepers, etc.? is being answered as part of an Associated Press Q&A column called "Ask AP." (AP Photo/Karim Kadim, file)

In 1961, the United States Congress passed the first National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Then, and in every conflict since, our brave men and women at home and overseas relied on Congress to authorize new programs, procure advanced weapons, and make quality-of-life improvements for servicemembers.

For six decades, the NDAA has recognized the ever-changing, modern battlefield–and the soldiers we field upon it. This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense, establishes defense policies, and supports military personnel. In Congress, it is our responsibility to ensure that our servicemembers are given the best equipment, training, and benefits we can provide.

For this 64th consecutive passage of the NDAA, Republicans in Congress fought to save billions of dollars while strengthening our military capabilities. H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 — which I voted for, and the House of Representatives passed–implements peace through strength, roots out wasteful spending, secures our border, and keeps our military strong and prepared.

This NDAA authorizes numerous quality-of-life improvements for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Less than 1% of the U.S. population is currently serving in the military. They placed the American flag on their shoulder and swore an oath to protect our freedoms. That’s why I voted to authorize a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers, improve on-post and off-post access to quality housing and education, and expand access to healthcare and childcare. These are important improvements that will boost morale and inspire more brave men and women to serve.

In rapidly changing conflicts, our defense acquisition system has proven to be slow and gummed up with bureaucracy. This legislation reforms our outdated acquisition process to better deliver our troops the capabilities they need. Instead of necessary equipment arriving years late, this bill will reduce waiting times from nearly 3 years to as few as 90 days.

Additionally, the NDAA codifies 45 executive orders and legislative proposals from President Trump, authorizes nearly $1 billion to fight the drug cartels, and cuts pointless DEI programs from our defense budget. These provisions, in tandem with similar provisions included in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts, will implement peace through strength.

With conflicts around the world and foreign nations intent on weakening the United States, it is crucial that we fully fund our military, invest in our national defense, and advance President Trump’s peace through strength agenda. My vote for the National Defense Authorization Act ensures that we deliver a much-needed pay raise for our troops, support our military families, strengthen defense manufacturing, and stand up to China, Iran, and other enemies.

——-

Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.