WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, advancing key national security priorities and delivering major wins led by Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03). These wins—including a 4 percent pay raise for servicemembers—strengthen national defense, support U.S. allies, protect military and firefighter families, and deliver for those who serve.
“America remains the land of the free because of the brave men and women who serve in uniform,” said Rep. Nunn. “As a twenty-year combat veteran and current Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, I will never waver in defending our national security. That means securing the southern border, confronting the Chinese Communist Party, strengthening Iowa’s defense industry, and ensuring every servicemember, veteran, and first responder receives the care and support they’ve earned.”
Key Wins Led or Backed by Rep. Nunn Secured in the Final NDAA
- Supporting firefighter families: The bill includes language from the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act to ensure firefighters who pass away from job-related cancers are eligible for federal survivor benefits. This closes a long-standing gap in federal law and delivers long-overdue support to families of first responders who risk their lives to protect our communities.
- Mobilizing private capital for defense readiness: Language from Rep. Nunn’s amendment establishes a new Department of Defense program to modernize defense contracting and expand access to private investment. This reform will help scale production, strengthen supply chains, and boost readiness across critical national security programs.
- Strengthening U.S.–Taiwan strategic defense technology cooperation: Based on Rep. Nunn’s United States–Taiwan Defense Innovation Partnership Act, the bill supports joint development of critical emerging technologies, enhances deterrence, and reinforces the U.S.–Taiwan partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
- Bolstering U.S.–Israel defense innovation and coordination: Building on Rep. Nunn’s efforts to deepen U.S.–Israel military cooperation, the bill promotes expanded collaboration on unmanned and counter-drone systems. These advancements improve operational readiness and help counter escalating regional threats.
- Countering adversarial AI threats: Based on Rep. Nunn’s AI PLAN Act, the bill includes language to update artificial intelligence and cybersecurity policy at the Department of Defense to defend U.S. systems from rapidly evolving digital threats and preserve America’s competitive edge in the cyber domain.
- Expanding Defense Innovation Unit outreach centers: Modeled on Rep. Nunn’s amendment to open a DIU office in Israel, the bill authorizes the Pentagon to open Defense Innovation Unit offices in strategic regions worldwide. These centers will accelerate tech collaboration with key allies and field advanced capabilities faster.
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