On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for 2026. The legislation includes a pay increase for service members, drastic reductions in funding for DEI-related policies and increased protections for women in sports at service academies.
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke to reporters on Thursday about the newly passed NDAA.
"President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have been working tirelessly to return our military to a lethal killing machine instead of a woke HR department," Tuberville said. "This year's defense bill supports their mission, and I'm proud of the wins we secured."
"First and foremost, we were able to secure a pay raise for all of our brave service men and women, and to make some key improvements to military housing," he continued. "Second, we cut more than 40 million taxpayer dollars that were funding woke DEI policies in the military and prohibited military resources from being used to censor conservative outlets. The third thing was to protect women's sports at U.S. service academies."
"We also authorized increased production of fighter aircraft, submarines and warships to ensure we aren't being outpaced by our adversaries," Tuberville added.
The senator spoke specifically about the NDAA's effect on Alabama's military bases and capabilities.
"As Alabama's voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I'm also very proud of the wins included for Alabama's defense industries and installations," Tuberville stated. "This includes funding for President Trump's Golden Dome, much of which will be housed and researched at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. We also authorized procurement and modernization funding for the MH-139 gray wolf helicopter fleet at Maxwell Air Force Base, and the investments and our ship readiness will be made in Sweet Home, Alabama."
"You know, thanks to this year's NDAA, I'm confident that Alabama will continue to punch well above our weight," he added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
