Rep. Sykes Votes to Pass National Defense Authorization Act

Rep. Sykes Votes to Pass National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of the H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), the country's annual national defense bill. The legislation contains a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers, a 60% increase in the Family Separation Allowance, and funding for key military construction projects that will deliver for Ohio military installations and the communities that support them. Next, this bill travels to the Senate for consideration.

"I voted in favor of this bipartisan legislation that includes pay raises for all servicemembers and important funding for key military construction projects in Ohio," said Rep. Sykes. "I'm disappointed that the majority used this bipartisan bill as an opportunity to play politics with our service members and their families. However, the legislation also includes expanded access to dental care through TRICARE, increased access to OBGYN and specialty care services, and improved access to nutritious foods on military bases."

Congresswoman Sykes offered three amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026, including:

• An amendment to add the Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025 to the NDAA to ensure that the U.S. government uses retreaded tires wherever possible rather than using cheap foreign tires. Akron, known as the "Rubber Capitol of the World" is home to several leading American tire manufacturers including Goodyear and Bridgestone.
• An amendment to add the Airship Improvement Research for Safety and Humanitarian Innovation Projects Act, or the AIRSHIPS Act to the NDAA to support research of civil use cases for airships, often referred to as blimps, that could contribute to national defense; provide economic, sustainable and clean air cargo transportation; support disaster response efforts; and provide humanitarian aid to people and areas in need.
• An amendment urging the Department of Defense to collaborate with Tech Hubs to accelerate defense innovations in partnership with academia and industry.

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2026 includes $882.6 billion in authorized spending including:

• $1.5 billion in new construction of barracks, dormitories, housing, and child development centers;
• $600 million to reauthorize the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) for two years;
• $124.6 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions;
• $35 million for local educational agencies with military dependent students;
• $10 million for local educational agencies eligible to receive payment for children with severe disabilities.

Pay and Compensation

• Enacts a 3.8% pay raise for all service members.
• 60% increase in the Family Separation Allowance, additional pay given to service members whose family members cannot live with or near them at their permanent duty station.

Healthcare

• Waives fees and copays on the TRICARE Dental Program for all members of the Selected Reserve.
• Expands mental health services to meet the unique needs of the Cyber Mission Force.
• Authorizes two pilot programs that would expand obstetrical and gynecological care for TRICARE beneficiaries.
• Prohibits the DoD from reducing military medical personnel and increases access to specialty care by lowering the threshold for travel reimbursement for a medical appointment from 100 miles to 50.