Delivering for the American People by Rebuilding American Strength

By Mark Alford

What’s Going On in Washington—This week, the House passed one of the most important bills of this Congress: the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA). This legislation is the backbone of our national security, and it delivers on a promise President Trump and House Republicans made to the American people: to restore American strength after years of decline and to rebuild the most powerful fighting force on Earth.

Missouri’s Fourth understands what it means to serve. From Whiteman Air Force Base to Fort Leonard Wood, our district plays a critical role in defending this nation. The FY26 NDAA advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda by refocusing our military on its core mission: deterring aggression, defeating threats, and keeping America safe.

This bill also codifies key Trump executive actions that secure our border, rebuild our warfighting edge, eliminate DEI and other divisive programs from the Department of War, modernize defense acquisitions, and strengthen America’s posture against adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Most importantly, the NDAA delivers for the brave men and women who wear the uniform. It provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers and improves housing, childcare, education, and health care for military families. These families sacrifice so much for us– the least we can do is ensure they have the support and quality of life they deserve.

For Missouri’s Fourth District, the bill includes major investments that will strengthen our local economy while building the future force:

Authorizes over $127 million for B-21 Raider projects at Whiteman Air Force Base

Protects the new hospital at Fort Leonard Wood, funds new Joint Assault Bridges critical to training our engineers

Invests $86.5 million in microgrid and backup power capabilities at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

Designates the Kansas City National Security Campus as a Nuclear Weapons Production Facility — a major step that elevates our region’s role in safeguarding America’s nuclear deterrent

At the same time, this NDAA responsibly saves taxpayers nearly $20 billion through targeted reforms — cutting waste, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, and ending programs that do nothing to strengthen our national defense. The bottom line is simple: President Trump and House Republicans are delivering. I was proud to vote for this bill, and I will continue fighting every day to ensure Mid-Missouri remains at the heart of America’s defense.