Lawler Votes to Strengthen Military Readiness and Support for Servicemembers in FY27 NDAA

Washington, D.C. - 7/22/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027, legislation that strengthens America's military readiness, rebuilds the nation's domestic supply chains, and supports our servicemembers and their families. The measure passed the House in a bipartisan vote of 216 to 212 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

"America's greatest responsibility is protecting our nation and ensuring our servicemembers have the resources, equipment, and support they need to succeed. This year's NDAA invests in cutting-edge technologies, strengthens our alliances, and delivers for the brave men and women who serve our country. I'm proud to support legislation that keeps America safe, supports our troops and their families, and ensures we are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow," said Congressman Lawler.

The FY27 NDAA expands domestic defense production by modernizing military capabilities and ensures the United States maintains the technological and industrial advantage needed to confront threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other adversaries. Specifically, the legislation does so by:

Supporting Servicemembers and Military Families

• Provides a historic 5-7% pay increase for servicemembers.
• Expands access to housing, education, childcare, and other quality-of-life resources for military families.
• Includes Congressman Lawler-supported Amendment No. 191, the Military Financial Literacy Act, which expands access to personalized financial and housing counseling for active-duty and transitioning servicemembers to help with budgeting, credit management, homeownership, and avoiding predatory lending practices.
• Includes Congressman Lawler-supported Amendment No. 117, the Protecting Enlisted and Recruits from Excessive and Catastrophic Trials (PERFECT) Act, which improves transparency around dietary supplements and protects servicemembers from unintended consequences caused by unknowingly using prohibited ingredients.

Bolstering Domestic Supply Chains

• Invests in domestic manufacturing capacity, advanced microelectronics, biotechnology and biomanufacturing, critical minerals, and ship repair infrastructure.
• Expands defense workforce development efforts through partnerships between government, industry, and educational institutions.
• Strengthens small business participation in defense procurement and reduces unnecessary barriers for innovative companies.

Countering China and Strengthening American Deterrence

• Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and enhances military readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
• Restricts procurement of certain critical technologies and materials from foreign adversaries.
• Invests in advanced capabilities, including quantum computing, hypersonics, autonomous systems, and strategic deterrence.
  

Supporting Israel and Middle East Security

• Establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to strengthen collaboration on artificial intelligence, counter-drone systems, and anti-tunneling technologies.
• Extends critical authorities supporting Israel's defense readiness and regional security cooperation.
• Continues efforts to counter threats from Iran and prevent resources from supporting malign actors, including the Taliban.

Standing Against Antisemitism in the Military

• Includes Congressman Lawler-supported Amendment No. 148, which requires the Department to assess antisemitism within military service academies through the Defense Organizational Climate Survey, helping ensure that Jewish servicemembers and cadets are protected from discrimination and harassment.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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