Miller-Meeks Secures Pay Raise for Troops, Strengthens U.S. Defense

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) voted today to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), landmark legislation that supports President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda, delivers critical investments in national security, and protects Iowa’s defense workforce.

"As a 24-year Army veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day," said Miller-Meeks. "This NDAA delivers a well-earned pay raise, strengthens military readiness, and ensures our servicemembers have the tools and technology they need to defend our country from all threats foreign and domestic."

Background

The FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion in national defense discretionary spending—$8 billion more than President Trump’s budget request—and codifies key elements of his Peace Through Strength agenda, including 15 executive orders and 30 legislative proposals.

Key provisions include:

• A 3.8% pay raise for enlisted servicemembers
• Full funding for next-generation military capabilities, including missile defense, submarines, and autonomous systems
• Acceleration of space capabilities to counter China and Russia
• Revitalization of American shipbuilding and defense supply chains
• Restoration of merit-based admissions and promotions in the military
• Elimination of DEI, CRT, and climate-related programs within the Department of Defense
• Border security support through National Guard deployment and counter-drug operations
• New guardrails to protect American economic interests and technology investments
• Reforms to the Pentagon’s acquisition process and elimination of $20 billion in wasteful spending

Protecting Rock Island Arsenal and Iowa’s Defense Workforce

Rock Island Arsenal is a critical economic and strategic asset, supporting over 15,000 jobs and contributing $1.2 billion annually to the Quad Cities economy. Nearly half of its employees are Iowans, many of them veterans continuing their service in civilian roles.

The NDAA includes a pilot program on Army depot and arsenal workload sustainment (Sec. 348), a key provision that can benefit Rock Island by strengthening workload stability, sustaining mission-critical operations, and ensuring long-term viability across the Army’s organic industrial base.

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