Gillibrand, Schumer Highlight $5 Million Authorization For University Of Rochester In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill

Gillibrand, Schumer Highlight $5 Million Authorization For University Of Rochester In Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Bill

Dec 17, 2025

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that they have secured a $5 million authorization for the University of Rochester's short-pulsed lasers research in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

"This year's NDAA is a win for service members, New Yorkers, and all Americans," said Senator Gillibrand. "I was especially proud to fight for and secure key provisions in the final bill that will directly advance the University of Rochester's research into short-pulsed laser technology, which will help protect us from hypersonic missiles and other potential threats. Protecting our troops and our national security is of the utmost importance, and I am glad to see Democrats and Republicans work together to pass this vital legislation."

"The University of Rochester's cutting-edge short-pulsed lasers research is leading the way to protect us from hypersonic missiles and other potential threats. This $5 million funding authorization in the just-passed final national defense bill is a major milestone for boosting their research efforts," said Senator Schumer. "I will always fight to deliver more resources for New York's servicemembers and to protect our national security."

"The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is a unique national resource with expertise in the study of intense laser light and materials," said LLE Director Christopher Deeney. "The newly authorized funding will enable the federal sponsor to have LLE and its team continue to make important strides in understanding and optimizing the performance of pulsed lasers for national security missions. On behalf of the LLE and the University, I want to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their leadership and support along with the other members of our Congressional delegation."

Other highlights of the FY26 NDAA bill include a pay raise for service members, as well as over $240 million in total authorizations for New York State projects.

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