The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, a measure that allocates funding for defense and several other federal departments. Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) expressed support for the bill, which was included in a broader appropriations package covering Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.
“Keeping America safe is our top priority in Congress and the defense appropriations bill passed today will help achieve that fundamental objective,” said Chairman Calvert. “The bill advances my strategic goals as Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee which align with the Trump Administration’s America First’ agenda. By establishing a new Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network and advancing programs that leverage American innovation, we are strengthening our military superiority and ability to build weapons at scale. We also continue to target international drug cartels and narco-terrorists – who are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans – by investing in National Guard counter-drug programs. Our servicemembers are the most essential component of our national security strategy and this bill invests in these heroes with a 3.8% pay raise and continues pay increases for junior enlisted servicemembers.”
Key provisions of the bill include investments aimed at maintaining U.S. military superiority through funding advanced aircraft such as the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX. The legislation boosts munitions production relevant to potential conflicts with nations like China and establishes a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network with $177.4 million in funding. It also dedicates $4.5 billion toward hypersonic test infrastructure and weapons systems development.
To increase supplier capacity for critical defense materials, the Office of Strategic Capital is authorized to access over $4.3 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Additional resources are allocated to promote competition through increased investment in both the Defense Innovation Unit ($429.5 million) and Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies program ($400 million).
Support for military personnel includes a 3.8% pay raise effective January 1, 2026, as well as measures intended to reduce Permanent Change of Station moves to enhance quality of life for service members.
In efforts to combat international drug trafficking organizations, the bill provides $1.1 billion for counter-drug programs—including increased support for the National Guard Counter-Drug Program—and maintains language supporting continued United States Southern Command headquarters operations.
Efficiency initiatives within the Department of Defense are reflected by more than $1.2 billion in cuts attributed to streamlining functions and management improvements, alongside $550 million saved from lower bulk fuel rates.
Ken Calvert has served as a member of Congress representing California’s 41st District since 1993 (https://calvert.house.gov/about). Born in Corona, California in 1953, he currently resides there (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059). Calvert earned his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1975 (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059).
