NDAA Passes House; Rep. Crank Secures Critical Investments for El Paso County

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 27 National Defense Authorization Act.

America's national security is dependent on our ability to produce the capabilities needed to defend our country and deter our adversaries. For decades, the U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) was the envy of the world. But declining investments in defense have significantly weakened the DIB.

The FY27 NDAA focuses on revitalizing the defense industrial base, restoring lethal capabilities, improving our servicemembers' quality of life, and more. This bill also delivers new missions for Colorado Springs and El Paso County, including a new Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever Space Force Base, and tripling officer training at Peterson Space Force Base. It also includes a 5-7% pay raise for our troops and improved benefits. Moreover, Congressman Crank was also able to secure an amendment to protect the concealed carry rights of our servicemembers.

"I am proud of the work that we have accomplished in this year's National Defense Authorization Act, which includes critical investments for the Pikes Peak Region," said Rep. Crank. "Some of these investments include a new $250 million Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever Space Force Base and increasing the number of 2nd Lieutenants coming to Peterson Space Force Base to complete Officer Training Course by 300%. This bill is a clear signal that the Department of War is doubling down on its long-term commitment to Colorado Springs, creating jobs, supporting our local economy, and reinforcing our community's role as the heart of America's space enterprise."

"Representative Jeff Crank has been a strong advocate for Colorado's military community and for ensuring the United States maintains dominance in space," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). "His work on the FY27 NDAA helped secure $250 million for the Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever Space Force Base and advance language supporting the goal of doubling the size of the Space Force in the coming years. These efforts will help ensure America is prepared to deter and defeat any threats our nation might face in the theater of the future."

Wins Rep. Crank Secured in the bill include:

• $250 million Space Force Operations Facility at Schriever Space Force Base that will support 2500 civilian jobs;
• Increases 2nd Lieutenants coming to Peterson Space Force Base to complete Officer Training Course by 300%;
• Doubles the Space Force's budget;
• Expands the Space Force's use of commercially sourced data to track Chinese and Russian satellites;
• Encourages continued development of a nuclear thermal propulsion capability to protect our space-based assets;
• Supports the Department of the Air Force in establishing a dedicated funding mechanism for the USAFA 2050 campus modernization project;
• Prevents the closure of the 70th Flying Training Squadron at the Air Force Academy;
• Allows the USAFA Alumni Foundation to manage campus improvement projects for the Academy, lowering costs and reducing delays;
• Eliminates DEI in military advancement decisions;
• Expands the use of commercial data in the National Guard's FireGuard program to improve wildfire response;
• Restores funding for the Next-Gen OPIR Polar satellite to protect advanced missile warning capabilities;
• Requires the Department to create a five-year plan for barracks improvement and;
• Continues support for shared-use SCIFs to reduce burden-to-entry for small defense businesses in the Pikes Peak region.