Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has passed the Senate and is now awaiting the President’s signature. The legislation includes provisions aimed at improving military readiness, increasing funding for North Carolina military installations, deterring China, and strengthening alliances abroad.
Following the bill’s passage, Senator Budd stated: “America’s security rests on the readiness and unmatched lethality of our military. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to deliver a historic investment in our national defense that prioritizes peace through strength. This year’s NDAA puts our warfighters first by prioritizing new weapons and platforms, eliminates regulations and DEI initiatives that detract from combat training, and enacts new policies that remove enemy capabilities off the battlefield. The United States will continue to aid Taiwan in deterring the threat of Communist China and stand shoulder to shoulder with our ally Israel in bringing about a safer and more stable Middle East. Above all, this landmark legislation authorizes a generational investment in servicemember quality of life, ensuring our troops and their families in North Carolina have the necessary resources to accomplish their mission—at home and abroad.”
The NDAA includes several amendments championed by Senator Budd:
– The Seized Iranian Arms Transfer Authorization (SEIZE) Act expedites transferring confiscated Iranian weapons seized en route to groups like the Houthis by allowing U.S. Central Command to distribute them directly to American military partners.
– The Streamlining Advanced Manufacturing Strategy Act aims to align advanced manufacturing efforts for increased efficiency.
– The Lumbee Fairness Act seeks federal benefits for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
– The Comprehensive Operations for Unmanned-System Neutralization and Threat Elimination Response (COUNTER) Act addresses airspace security at military bases by neutralizing unauthorized drones.
For service members, this year’s NDAA provides a 3.8% pay raise across all ranks. It also codifies previous efforts to end certain ideological programs within the military while focusing on meritocracy and accountability. Barriers are being reduced for fighter aircraft using tactical data networks during training.
North Carolina is set to receive over $765 million for various construction projects at its military facilities:
– Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will see $40 million allocated for F-35 sustainment and $15 million for flightline modernization.
– Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is authorized funding exceeding $189 million for expansions supporting special operations forces.
– Fort Bragg will benefit from allocations including $80 million each for power generation upgrades and command centers as well as other facility improvements.
– Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will receive funds totaling $95 million for child development center improvements and training complex expansion.
– The North Carolina National Guard is authorized $69 million for hangar projects at Salisbury Training Center.
Additionally, procurement funds are directed toward local manufacturers: Concord-based firms will supply Infantry Squad Vehicles ($308 million) and Army load-carrying technology ($8 million), while Durham companies will provide rare earth magnets ($4 million).
The act contains measures intended to deter threats from China by streamlining processes related to fighter pilot training with advanced tactical datalinks. It also establishes tools against wrongful detention of U.S. nationals abroad.
Support for Israel includes continued cooperation on anti-tunnel technology ($80 million), counter-drone systems ($70 million), missile defense programs such as Arrow 3 ($100 million), David’s Sling ($40 million), Iron Dome ($60 million), as well as assessments regarding arms embargoes’ impact on Israeli defense capabilities.
In relation to Taiwan, initiatives include enhancing bilateral security cooperation, supporting joint unmanned systems development, directing Treasury support toward Taiwan’s participation in international financial institutions before full membership eligibility is achieved.
Other provisions streamline foreign military sales processes among allies including Australia and the UK under AUKUS agreements; they require frameworks within the Pentagon aimed at improving technology transfer procedures.
