Sen. Tim Scott Applauds Passage of FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20.

“South Carolina is integral to our nation’s defense and military readiness, and this year’s NDAA ensures the state continues to play a leading role in supporting our military and its missions,” said Senator Scott. “I’m pleased the Senate has passed my provisions in the NDAA that equip our servicemembers with the resources, training, and support necessary to execute their duties with excellence. As threats grow around the world, it is essential that we confront them with strength and resolve.”

The FY26 NDAA authorizes nearly $915 billion in national defense funding, including about $879 billion for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and about $35 billion for national security programs at the Department of Energy. This significant investment reflects Congress’ continued commitment to strengthening America’s defense at home and abroad.

To ensure that those who wear the uniform receive well-earned compensation for their service and sacrifice, the legislation provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel. It also takes meaningful steps to enhance competition across the defense industrial base, driving innovation while reducing costs to taxpayers.

To maintain the United States’ technological edge, this NDAA enhances the DOD’s ability to adopt emerging technologies and streamlines the defense acquisition process, an effort designed to modernize the military more quickly and keep pace with evolving threats.

Senator Scott successfully championed a key provision in the FY26 NDAA directing the DOD to develop a Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy. This provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with military department leadership, to create a detailed strategy to recruit, train, and retain top cyber talent. The strategy will assess current cyber capabilities, identify gaps, and establish key performance indicators to measure progress in recruiting, training, and retaining skilled cyber personnel across the military. It also encourages partnerships with universities, industry, and other federal agencies to enhance workforce development and ensure the military remains at the forefront of cyber defense.

Senator Scott’s following provisions that support South Carolina’s military families and bolster the state’s role in national security were also included and passed in the NDAA:

• Expansion of the Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation at Joint Base Charleston
  • Enhances the training of nuclear-qualified personnel, supporting national security and maintaining South Carolina’s leadership in workforce development for both military and civilian nuclear careers.
• The Child Development Center at Fort Jackson
  • Provides high-quality childcare for military families, allowing servicemembers to focus on their duties while ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and development of their children.
• Defense operations at the Savannah River Site (DOE/NNSA)
  • Supports essential national security missions through environmental cleanup, nuclear security, workforce development, and infrastructure investments.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Scott successfully advanced provisions found here.

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