Miller-Meeks Votes to Pass Defense Bill That Delivers Raise for Service Members, Strengthens National Security

Washington, D.C. - Last night, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, which fully funds the U.S. military, delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers, and reinforces America’s military superiority at home and abroad.

“This bill gives our troops the pay raise they deserve and the resources they need to defend this country,” said Miller-Meeks. “It protects jobs at home, advances our refueling capabilities, and preserves our military history. I’ll keep fighting to strengthen our national defense, support Iowa’s workforce, and put America’s security first.”

Miller-Meeks Amendments Included in H.R. 4016:

The legislation includes two amendments authored by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks that protect defense jobs in Iowa and invest in next-generation aerial refueling technology to enhance combat effectiveness and operational safety. The bill also ensures the Rock Island Arsenal Museum remains open to preserve our military history and honor the service of generations of Americans.

Miller-Meeks Amendment 235 – Preserving Military History

• Blocks any funding from being used to close the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, one of the oldest military museums in the country, protecting a vital part of America’s military heritage.

Miller-Meeks Amendment 453 – Advancing Next-Generation Aerial Refueling Systems

• Transfers funding to support the development of advanced air-to-air refueling technologies that improve pilot safety, increase mission effectiveness, and reduce fuel usage.

Miller-Meeks is also working closely with Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) to strengthen the workforce protections in Amendment 234 and close any potential loopholes that could harm Army arsenals. A revised version of the amendment will be offered during conference negotiations.

More on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026:

Troop Support:

• Increases basic pay 3.8% for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
• Continues historic FY25 pay raises for junior enlisted service members.

Ending Woke and Wasteful Spending:

• Codifies President Trump’s orders to end DEI programs.
• Prohibits taxpayer funding for sex-change surgeries, abortion-related travel, drag shows, and COVID mandates.
• Codifies DoD cooperation with the DOGE Office and streamlines Pentagon management.

Restoring Combat Readiness and Military Superiority:

• Boosts funding for 5th and 6th generation aircraft like the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.
• Modernizes the nuclear triad, including the B-21 Raider, Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel.
• Provides $13 billion for missile defense and space programs and over $2.6 billion for hypersonics.

Border Security and Counter-Drug Operations:

• Provides $1.15 billion for counterdrug programs, $245 million above the request.
• Increases National Guard Counterdrug Program funding.
• Moves Mexico from NORTHCOM to SOUTHCOM for better threat coordination.

Countering Adversaries and Supporting Allies:

• $500 million for Taiwan Security Cooperation.
• $500 million for Israeli Missile Defense.
• $7 billion for classified space superiority programs.

A 24-year Army veteran, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has consistently fought to protect our defense workforce, safeguard key installations like Rock Island Arsenal, and ensure taxpayer funds support mission-critical operations. Her amendments to the FY26 defense appropriations bill reflect that mission.

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