Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) lauded the House's passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The final vote count was 312 in favor to 112 against. There were 18 Republicans and 91 Democrats who voted against the bill.
Controversy arose due to the 2026 NDAA providing $800 million to Ukraine for two years ($400 million each year) and the omission of a ban on central bank digital currency (CBDC), but four Republicans, Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Tim Burchett (R-TN), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO) changed their votes at the last minute to "Yeas."
Nevertheless, Rep. Buchanan celebrated the inclusion of four bills he had introduced into the final version of the NDAA, which prohibit animals from being used in live-fire exercises, restrict certain U.S. outbound investments to China, and require Congressional reports from the Pentagon on efforts to counter unmanned aircraft and on the importation of foreign materials for defense purposes with the intent to replace them with domestic equivalents.
"This year's NDAA reflects President Trump's 'Peace Through Strength' agenda by ensuring America's military remains the most lethal, capable fighting force in the world," said Rep. Buchanan in a statement, adding, "I'm proud that several of my proposals, each focused on readiness, accountability and supporting our servicemembers, were included in the final package. Together, these measures strengthen our forces and reaffirm our commitment to the men and women in uniform."
Similarly, Rep. Franklin emphasized how "We don't preserve peace by hoping for the best, but by ensuring our adversaries never doubt our resolve. The FY26 NDAA invests in the tools, training, and technologies our warfighters need to remain the most capable force on Earth."
In addition to highlighting the 4% pay raise for servicemembers, Rep. Franklin noted that "It enhances readiness while revitalizing American shipbuilding and defense manufacturing to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains."
"Defending our nation is too important for anything less than smart, strategic investment that strengthens deterrence, preserves overmatch, and sustains our long-term military advantage. With this NDAA, America remains the world's premier fighting force," Franklin concluded.
Finally, Rep. Diaz-Balart said, "Under President Trump's leadership, House Republicans are restoring our military's focus on its vital mission of protecting the homeland and revitalizing the American military to defend the national security of the United States and its people."
