💵 House authorizes nearly $900B in defense spending for FY 2026.
✈️ Eglin and Hurlburt Field slated for more than $300M in construction projects.
⚡ Rep. Jimmy Patronis secures amendment opposing electric vehicle mandates.
(Editor’s Note: Mid Bay News will use the term ‘Department of Defense’ until the U.S. Congress files legislation changing the name officially, to coincide with AP style guidelines.)
NICEVILLE — The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This nearly $900 billion defense package authorizes spending at levels similar to last year and sets policy priorities for the Department of Defense.
The measure, approved 231-196 largely along party lines, directs new investments in national security while also including provisions aimed at streamlining the military acquisition process.
All but four Republicans supported the bill, while all but 17 Democrats opposed it, citing amendments on social issues.
For Northwest Florida, the bill carries significant funding for military construction projects and land acquisition at Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.
The House-passed NDAA authorizes:
Specifically, the House version of the NDAA also provides line items for specific projects at Eglin Air Force Base, including:
In a news release on Thursday, Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-Fl) highlighted his role in shaping the bill, including an amendment he filed to end the Biden administration’s policy favoring electric and hybrid non-tactical vehicles over those powered by fossil fuels.
“As a former State Fire Marshal and someone who represents a district with multiple military installations along the Gulf Coast, I know firsthand the importance of reliable, safe vehicles for our servicemembers,” Patronis said in a statement. “Electric vehicles, when exposed to saltwater, can experience dangerous runaway battery fires. That’s not a risk we can afford on coastal bases that are critical to America’s readiness.”
The bill, which authorizes $892.6 billion in national defense discretionary programs for fiscal year 2026, also codifies executive orders from President Donald Trump ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the military.
Other provisions include:
Patronis said the bill strengthens national defense while reflecting a “peace through strength” agenda.
“I’m proud that my amendment was included in the NDAA, and I congratulate my colleagues in the House for passing this vital piece of legislation that ensures our military has the tools it needs to keep our nation safe,” Patronis said in a news release.
The NDAA now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to craft their own version before the two chambers negotiate a final compromise.
The Senate bill has two line items that affect Northwest Florida, including $3,300 for the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing for design and $66,000 for the 361st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISRG) Group Facility at Hurlburt Field.
The bill also funds all the projects listed in the House bill and matches the expenditure for each project.
To read the full Senate bill, titled S.B. 2296, click here.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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