Jack Bergman · TranslatePolitics.com

House of Representatives

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

2026-07-21

“I want to spend $1.15 trillion on defense. Other people say that is too much. I think we need that much money for ships and planes and buildings. I want our military to be strong. Some people don't think we need to spend that much. I do. I thank the people who worked on this bill.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding. Each of us swore an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. It is the basis for which we serve. Within our Constitution is the enumerated responsibility of Congress to raise an army and maintain a navy. Our committee fulfilled our constitutional duty when we reported the National Defense Authorization Act to the floor today. As our chairman indicated, we are delivering on President Trump's request to authorize the first of two defense appropriations, including this authorization of $1.15 trillion. While there is much to be made about the generational investments in ships and aviation, this bill also fully supports the sustainment of the defense enterprise. It strengthens our Nation's commitments to our servicemembers and their families, and it delivers major quality-of- life initiatives, including significant funding for facilities. Now, it is easy for some Members to reject this bill because it provides too much money for our national security. Theirs is a false hope that a chaotic and irreverent global disorder will never reach the shores of our magnificent Nation. I reject this premise. I believe we are already in a strategic race for the continued rise and stability of our Nation. This defense budget sits as the cornerstone of this great enterprise. We need to fulfill our constitutional responsibility, and we need it now. I thank my Subcommittee on Readiness ranking member, Mr. John Garamendi, and our personnel and professional staff that serve our Subcommittee on Readiness for their work on this bill. We are united in purpose, in making our Department of War a presence to be respected in both peace and, if necessary, prevail in conflict. I commend Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for delivering this magnificent defense bill.

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