Moolenaar Votes to Support Service Members, Restore Peace Through Strength

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective and Delivery (SPEED) and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation re-establishes peace through strength by supporting members of the military and their families, and restores the military's focus on preparedness and warfighting.

"The NDAA is vital to support our brave men and women in uniform and ensure our military remains the strongest fighting force in the world. This legislation restores peace through strength, deters our adversaries, and improves the quality of life of our troops with a well-deserved pay raise," said Moolenaar. "I am grateful my amendments to compete with the Chinese Communist Party were included in the legislation. These amendments add crucial provisions that protect American taxpayer dollars from funding research that would directly benefit China's military. I will continue my work to support our military and keep our country safe."

The National Defense Authorization Act is passed annually by Congress to direct policy and authorize funding for the Department of Defense. Five amendments submitted by Moolenaar were adopted and passed by the House. A list of his amendments lead by Moolenaar can be found below.

1. SAFE RESEARCH ACT OF 2025- The Securing American Funding and Expertise from Adversarial Research Exploitation Act of 2025- Prohibits federal research awards from going to individuals or institutions with affiliations or partnerships with hostile foreign entities, including those listed on U.S. government entity lists (e.g., the Department of Defense 1260H List and the BIS Entity List). Requires applicants to disclose past foreign ties, funding, and activities. Imposes ongoing restrictions on sharing research results with adversaries and mandates congressional notification of any national security waivers.
2. INITIATIVE ON STUDYING ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND STRATEGIC COMPETITION- Directs the Department of Defense to establish an initiative to prepare to fully harness the transformative potential of advanced artificial intelligence, modernize adoption plans, assess the national security and defense implications of advanced artificial intelligence, and analyze strategic competition factors relating to the People's Republic of China's pursuit of advanced artificial intelligence.
3. ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OWNED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN MATERIALS OR COMPONENTS- Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain a classified and prioritized list of high-risk DoD critical infrastructure dependent on materials or components from foreign countries of concern and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. Requires biennial classified briefings to Congress with findings, strategies, and recommendations to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable foreign sources.
4. THINK TWICE ACT OF 2025- The Tracking Hostile Industry Networks and Kit While Thwarting Weapons Imports From Chinese Entities Act of 2025- Directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to submit an annual report analyzing arms sales facilitated by entities in the People's Republic of China, including their technical capabilities, proliferation risks, and impact on U.S. interests. Requires the report to include a strategy developed by the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to dissuade purchases of new Chinese weapons systems and defense equipment, including reforms to U.S. sales processes, information campaigns, and potential deterrent measures.
5. FUNDING FOR SMART SUSCEPTOR TECHNOLOGY- Authorizes $5 million through RDTE for Smart Susceptor Technology and offset by decreasing the Washington Headquarters Services account.

The legislation provides service members with a 3.8% raise, and codifies over 30 executive orders signed by President Trump earlier this year, including those restoring meritocracy, cutting wasteful spending, and securing the southern border.

More information about the FY26 NDAA can be found here. The legislation passed the House or Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 231 to 196.