Invests in American Manufacturing and Innovation for Defense 

WASHINGTON, DC (July 18, 2025) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the fiscal year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act. The legislation provides $831 billion to strengthen and modernize our military, including a 3.8% pay raise for U.S. troops with better benefits for their families. Focusing on combat readiness, the bill invests in cutting-edge aircraft and weapons, including $13 billion in support of America’s Golden Dome defense initiative. 

Congressman Hal Rogers, Dean of the House, voted in support of the Defense funding bill to champion our warfighters and restore American military superiority. 

“National defense must remain America’s first priority, and this bill makes powerful investments to restore our military readiness and dominance, starting with stronger support for the brave men and women who defend this great nation every day,” said Congressman Rogers, a senior appropriator. “In addition to the warfighters from Kentucky who have answered the call of duty, I’m exceptionally proud of the military support that is produced in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District, through innovation, education and competitive manufacturing of military supplies. This bill bolsters our military supply chain and ensures that critical jobs remain in place that support defense operations from production lines to our nation’s frontlines.”  

The bill also includes $1.15 billion for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, including $305 million for the National Guard Counter-Drug program and $678 million for counternarcotics support. 

“We have witnessed historic declines in overdose death rates in Kentucky over the last year, and this bill will continue to help save lives across the country by stopping more drugs from ever getting into our communities,” continued Rogers. 

The Defense Appropriations Bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media. 

Click here to read the bill.