Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - 12/10/25… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) voted in favor of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026). This bill puts forward more investment in lethality and efficiency for our military, prioritizes servicemembers and their families, and advances President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda. It fully funds national defense programs, in addition to including a number of Congressman Lawler’s priorities.

This year’s NDAA includes four of Rep. Lawler’s bills, a major legislative milestone. 

1. The Modernize Diplomatic Security Training Act enhances counterintelligence capacity at the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) by requiring certain DSS special agents to receive specific and substantive counterintelligence training that developed in consultation with the intelligence community. 
2. The Safe Embassies Act ensures Congress is notified before any U.S. embassy is reopened, with a clear justification of its national security value. 
3. H.R.5254, To provide for the management authorities of the Department of State streamlines and modernizes the State Department’s operations to improve efficiency and accountability. 
4. H.R.4179, Countering Wrongful Detention Act which enhances America’s ability to respond to and deter the unlawful detention of Americans overseas by providing a new authority to designate a country as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention. This is Rep. Lawler’s State Sponsor of Wrongful or Unlawful Detention Act. 

Together, these measures reinforce U.S. national security, protect American diplomats and citizens abroad, and strengthen oversight of our foreign policy apparatus.

“I’m proud to support the NDAA, which strengthens our military, defends our allies, and delivers real results for Hudson Valley servicemembers and their families. This bill funds pay raises, better housing, childcare, and medical access for our troops. It also funds cutting-edge technology, strategic deterrence, and support for allies including Israel and Taiwan. This is about keeping our nation safe and delivering for New York’s 17th District,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

Key provisions of the FY26 NDAA include:

• Servicemember Quality of Life: 3.8% pay raise, expanded bonuses, family separation allowance, improved housing, childcare, medical access, and new school construction.
• Border Security: Fully funds DoD support for DHS, National Guard, and active-duty troops, and over $1 billion to combat drug trafficking.
• Weapons & Strategic Deterrence: Funds advanced fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems; strengthens nuclear deterrence and military readiness.
• Indo-Pacific & China Deterrence: Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, funds new technologies, strengthens supply chain security, and supports Taiwan.
• Support for Israel & Middle East Partners: Funds cooperative missile defense programs, counter-drone systems, and regional security partnerships.

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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