Miller-Meeks Secures Pay Raise for Troops, Strengthens U.S. Defense, & Protects Mission-Critical Operations at Rock Island Arsenal

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) voted today to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that delivers a much-deserved pay raise for America’s servicemembers, ensures they are equipped with cutting-edge tools, and protects the workforce and mission-critical operations at Rock Island Arsenal.

The NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for troops, improves military housing, expands childcare, and strengthens access to healthcare and mental health services. At the same time, it takes bold action to reform the Pentagon’s outdated acquisition process, ensuring our troops get what they need, when they need it, to keep America safe.

“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 not only delivers a well-deserved pay raise and better quality of life for our troops and their families, it ensures they are equipped with the cutting-edge technologies needed to prevail on future battlefields. By advancing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda, we are restoring America’s military advantage, protecting our defense industrial base, and making certain Rock Island Arsenal remains a pillar of readiness.”

 

Background

The FY26 NDAA improves quality of life for servicemembers while strengthening U.S. defense capabilities and cutting through Pentagon red tape to deliver results faster.

For National Security and Readiness, the NDAA:

• Advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda, fully funding next-generation aircraft, ships, and missile defense.
• Speeds adoption of AI, cyber, robotics, and digital manufacturing to give America’s warfighters the edge.
• Establishes new authorities and pilot programs to integrate commercial innovation and get technologies to the field faster.

For Troops and Families, the NDAA:

• Provides a 3.8% pay raise and expanded bonuses.
• Improves military housing, healthcare, and mental health services.
• Authorizes more than $360 million for new childcare facilities across the force.
• Streamlines acquisition so our warfighters get new technology faster, not bogged down by 12-year delays and bureaucracy.

For Rock Island Arsenal and Iowa’s Defense Workforce:

Rock Island Arsenal supports more than 15,000 jobs and contributes over $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.

Rep. Miller-Meeks has consistently fought to protect this critical installation. Drawing on her 24 years of Army service, she has raised concerns over proposed consolidations, pressed Army leadership to safeguard Arsenal jobs, and authored amendments to preserve its mission and workforce.

This NDAA builds on that record by:

• Protects Jobs: Prohibits the Army from using funds to restructure the Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command until a full plan is submitted to Congress, ensuring Rock Island’s operations and workforce are not disrupted without justification.
• Modernizes the Arsenal: Directs the Army to accelerate modernization of arsenals and the organic industrial base, ensuring Rock Island remains a cornerstone of America’s munitions production and defense readiness..

Rep. Miller-Meeks’ vote ensures Iowa’s servicemembers, veterans, and defense workforce are supported while America’s military remains the most ready, capable, and lethal force in the world.