Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 312 to 112. The NDAA authorizes key national security programs and policies. Rep. Calvert is Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Committee, responsible for funding national security initiatives through the defense appropriations bill.
“The NDAA advances critical national security policies that are essential for achieving our defense goals,” said Rep. Calvert. “The bill takes care of our most precious national security assets, our servicemembers, by giving them a 3.8% pay raise as well as authorizing funding increases to build or make upgrades to barracks, family housing, healthcare, and childcare facilities. To ensure America has the defense manufacturing capabilities necessary to win a future conflict, the bill establishes a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network. As China continues to outpace the US in manufacturing capacity, it is past time to address this glaring capability gap.”
Provisions supported by Rep. Calvert in the FY26 NDAA include several measures aimed at strengthening industrial and defense capabilities:
– The Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network (CRMN) will create a network of dual-use manufacturing firms able to shift from commercial to defense production when needed.
– Project Spectrum will help small and medium businesses meet cybersecurity and acquisition requirements so they can remain part of the defense supply chain.
– A working group focused on small-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will address supply chain weaknesses and increase domestic drone production.
The legislation also updates missile defense policy with support for developing a next-generation “Golden Dome” shield against various threats and requires regular reports on its progress until completion.
In shipbuilding, the NDAA mandates that the Navy adopt data-driven strategies using artificial intelligence to improve cost controls and scheduling for both surface ships and submarines. It also calls for standard design metrics and automated shipbuilding pilot programs to reduce construction times.
The act authorizes $26 billion in shipbuilding funds for new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, Virginia-class submarines, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Additionally, it incorporates provisions from the AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025 into U.S. law, aiming to facilitate easier defense trade and joint development efforts with Australia and the United Kingdom.
Ken Calvert has represented California’s 41st District in Congress since 1993. He was born in Corona, California in 1953 where he currently resides. Calvert earned his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1975.
