Peace Through Strength and Supporting Our Troops

By Mark Alford

What’s Going On in Washington— As your Congressman from Missouri’s Fourth District, I’ve always believed that a strong national defense is the foundation of American freedom. That’s why I proudly cast my vote in favor of H.R. 3838, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation isn’t just a bill—it’s a commitment to our brave servicemembers, a reinforcement of President Trump’s peace through strength agenda, and a strategic investment in the heartland that keeps America safe and prosperous.

First and foremost, this NDAA puts our troops first. It delivers a well-deserved 3.8% pay raise for enlisted personnel and enhances benefits for military families, ensuring they have the support they need to focus on the mission. In an era of rising threats from adversaries like Russia and Communist China, we must restore lethality, meritocracy, and accountability to our armed forces. The bill codifies efforts to eliminate political agendas and DEI distractions, refocusing the military on what matters: winning wars.

Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve seen bold initiatives to modernize our defense capabilities, and this NDAA builds on them. It fully funds priorities like the Golden Dome missile defense, the F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems. We reform the Department of Defense’s acquisition process to speed innovative technologies to the front lines, revitalize our defense industrial base, and onshore supply chains—creating good-paying jobs right here in America. It even pushes our allies to shoulder more of their defense burden and promotes energy independence through new nuclear technologies.

Closer to home, this bill delivers for Missouri’s Fourth District. We’re investing in a new national security corridor from St. Louis to Wichita, with Kansas City as a cornerstone of our defense manufacturing. It supports the Kansas City National Security Campus expansion for non-nuclear components and allocates $4 million through the University of Missouri system to rebuild submarine battery supply chains and develop warfighter energy materials—securing domestic production of critical batteries. Additionally, it authorizes funding for 21 new Joint Assault Bridges to train soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood, enhancing our Army’s maneuverability on the battlefield.

The NDAA also recognizes the heroism of Whiteman Air Force Base’s 509th and 131st Bomb Wings, honoring their role in operations like Midnight Hammer and committing to sustain total force integration for the incoming B-21 fleet.

Passing this NDAA sends a clear message to the world: The United States will remain the most lethal fighting force on earth. I’m honored to stand with our troops and President Trump in defending our nation. Missouri’s Fourth District—and all of America—will be stronger for it.

Amendment to Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies

Appropriations Bill, 2026 offered by Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Alford, Ms. Frankel And Mr. Diaz-Balart

The Committee recognizes the critical mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the important contributions of its laboratories and cooperative institutes. The Committee directs NOAA to maintain these capabilities and to avoid closures, consolidations, or eliminations, given their essential role in advancing weather forecasting, climate science, and oceanographic research.