Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in favor of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation, which passed the House on September 10, 2025, authorizes $892.6 billion for defense programs. The bill aims to improve service member quality of life, secure borders, strengthen defense systems, and prepare the military for future conflicts.
Womack stated, “Providing for the Common Defense is a constitutional responsibility for Congress. I am proud to vote to authorize programs, projects, and policies that will strengthen our national defense and ensure our military is prepared to deter emerging threats. This includes delivering a well-earned pay raise to our service members and revamping our archaic, byzantine acquisition system.”
He added, “This bill also builds on President Trump’s historic efforts to secure our borders, prevent illegal immigration, and stem the flow of deadly drugs. But this is just a first step. To finish our work, Congress must expeditiously pass an FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill to put money behind these authorizations.”
The bill codifies several executive orders issued by former President Trump related to restoring military readiness, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, modernizing defense acquisitions, and expanding drone capabilities.
Among its provisions are a 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members and reauthorization of military bonuses and special pays. The legislation also provides $361 million for new childcare centers and $147 million for new schools serving military families.
It seeks reforms in the defense acquisition process intended to deliver capabilities more quickly and cost-effectively. The NDAA authorizes funding for deployment of National Guard and active-duty troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border as well as funds for establishing National Defense Areas along that border.
Additional measures include over $900 million requested by President Trump to fight drug trafficking—$398 million allocated for Department of Defense support of counter-narcotics operations and $116 million for National Guard counter-drug programs.
The NDAA supports continued investment in key military assets such as F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, autonomous systems, while prohibiting retirement of certain existing aircraft types including F-22s and C-130s. It also extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative aimed at strengthening U.S. posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
The legislation now moves forward to the Senate for consideration.
Steve Womack has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011 after succeeding John Boozman in Congress. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee. Womack was born in Russellville in 1957 and currently resides in Rogers; he graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a BA in 1979.
