Waukesha Times

Wisconsin State Representative Scott Fitzgerald has expressed support for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, highlighting its provisions for a 3.8% pay raise for service members, support for military families, and the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to emphasize "merit" and military readiness.

"This year's NDAA delivers on House Republicans and President Trump's commitment to our men and women in uniform," said U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wi). "It authorizes a 3.8% pay raise and includes key provisions to support military families. By codifying President Trump's Executive Orders and eliminating divisive DEI initiatives within the Department of Defense, the bill restores accountability and meritocracy to refocus the military on its core mission: readiness to protect, defend, and fight."

According to Congress.gov, the NDAA establishes policies and funding for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and national security initiatives under the Department of Energy and Maritime Administration. It also provides appropriations for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and Naval Petroleum Reserves while updating the defense acquisition system to expedite capability delivery to the Armed Forces.

The bill outlines procurement and modification of military equipment, authorizes research and development efforts, sets troop end-strength levels, and defines policies on military health care, compensation, and acquisition management. It also addresses foreign relations, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence issues, supports activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, defense environmental cleanup efforts, nuclear energy projects, among other defense initiatives.

Fitzgerald said that "the NDAA for FY26 also saves taxpayers over $20 billion by cutting wasteful programs and redirecting resources toward essential defense priorities." He added that it fully funds military modernization efforts such as the Golden Dome missile defense system and provides funding to revitalize the defense industrial base—a significant benefit for manufacturing jobs in the United States. The bill also strengthens border security by supporting active-duty troops and the National Guard assisting Border Patrol while funding counter-narcotics operations to protect communities.

Fitzgerald represents Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His previous roles include serving in the Wisconsin State Senate from 1995 to 2021 as both Majority Leader and Minority Leader. He graduated from Hustisford High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Fitzgerald served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 27 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.