Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. Sewell previously opposed the House bill after Republicans inserted divisive, partisan amendments and rubber stamped a massive expansion of presidential power. Sewell and her Democratic colleagues successfully removed the vast majority of these harmful provisions from the final House-passed version.

The FY26 NDAA makes important improvements to the quality of life for service members and their families, including a 3.8 percent pay raise for all military personnel. It also includes more efficient and effective methods for the military to acquire supplies and equipment and preserves more than $100 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) secured last year. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives today by a bipartisan vote of 312 to 112.

“Today, I voted yes on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to support our service members and protect our national security,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am happy that this year’s NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise to our military personnel, streamlines the process for our troops to secure supplies, and protects funding for our HBCUs.”

“While this bill could have been better, I am pleased that Democrats successfully removed some of the most divisive Republican amendments,” continued Sewell. “The responsibility to support our service members is one that I never take lightly, which is why I ultimately supported the bill. It remains my hope that House Republicans return to the bipartisan tradition of keeping partisan politics out of our national security.”

Passed annually by Congress, the NDAA authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense (DoD) and allows the Armed Forces to pay, train, and equip U.S. service members, support America’s allies around the world, and carry out essential national security operations.

Rep. Sewell secured key wins in the FY26 NDAA:

• Raises Pay for Service Members: The NDAA provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for all military personnel.
• Streamlines the Military’s Ability to Acquire Critical Supplies and Equipment for our Troops: The NDAA includes a significant adjustment in streamlining military procurement, allowing for the military to acquire necessary munitions, supplies, and constructions faster and at a lower cost to the American public.
• Supports Military Families: The NDAA expands the ability for military families to live in private housing, keeping our brave families well-supported.
• Protects Research Funding for HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions: The NDAA preserves $100 million for HBCUs and MSIs research missions during a time in which higher education is facing higher scrutiny and greater pressure.

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