Indy Standard

Congressman Jefferson Shreve announced that two measures he authored were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The NDAA authorizes the budget and expenditures for the Department of Defense.

The NDAA aims to ensure military readiness, prioritize domestically produced military equipment, and address commitments to military personnel and their families.

Shreve's measures focus on developing a strategy to counter Iran’s and Hezbollah’s influence in Latin America, citing concerns about regional stability in the Western Hemisphere. Another measure requires a comprehensive review of potential vulnerabilities to safeguard the physical and cyber security of air, rail, and maritime infrastructure.

Other provisions in the NDAA include full funding and additional authorities for securing the southern border, increased funding for technologies intended to deter China, expansion of the defense industrial base to strengthen U.S. supply chains, prohibitions on Chinese-controlled entities operating businesses on U.S. military installations, renovations and new construction for military medical facilities, cost savings through cuts to inefficient programs and federal bureaucracy, as well as a 3.8% pay increase for all service members.

Rep. Shreve stated: "I'm grateful to have my two important measures included in our defense budget. The NDAA supports our military personnel. It enhances our national defense. It's my Congressional responsibility to ensure that our nation is provided with the resources to bolster our defenses against foreign and domestic threats — and in a fiscally responsible manner. This bill delivers on those core responsibilities."