Rutherford Statement on FY26 Defense Appropriations Bill House Passage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, member of the House Appropriations Committee, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement on the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act:
“This year’s Defense Appropriations bill invests in America’s national security, advances President Trump’s America First agenda, and takes care of our troops and their families. The bill refocuses the Department of Defense on its core responsibilities of equipping a combat-ready military force, countering China and other adversaries around the world, investing in innovation within our military, and ensuring American military superiority.
“Specifically, this year’s bill includes a basic pay increase of 3.8% for all military personnel, continues historic pay increases for junior enlisted servicemembers, and improves quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by decreasing permanent change of station moves, which will save over $662 million.
“The bill also combats international actors who facilitate drug trafficking by providing $1.15 billion for counter drug programs and focuses our military forces on better coordination and prioritization of stopping the flow of dangerous drugs across our southern border.
“This year’s bill invests in our military’s readiness and warfighting capabilities by ensuring the continued use of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), which support our military on missions around the world from thwarting drug trafficking to neutralizing sea mines in the Red Sea world, and procuring vital aircraft such as E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes and F-35 fighters. It’s critical we ensure our military has the tools they need to keep our homeland safe.
“Finally, this bill codifies executive actions taken by President Trump and his administration to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, restore free speech, prohibit Department of Defense funded sex-change surgeries, end funding for organizations that act contrary to U.S. interests like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and prohibit federal funding for abortion-related travel.
“This bill contains huge wins for our military, our country, and Northeast Florida. That’s why I am proud to pass this year’s Defense Appropriations Act in the House.”