Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA), which was approved in the House with a vote of 312-112. The legislation provides full funding for national defense, aims to improve the quality of life for servicemembers, and supports policy initiatives from the Trump Administration.
“Passing the National Defense Authorization Act means that we are one step closer to beginning to deliver results for American troops and their families,” said Rep. Simpson. “The NDAA is a must-pass bill that promotes peace through strength policies, supports our men and women in uniform, and strengthens our national defense. Idaho is home to Gowen Field and Mountain Home Air Force Base, hosting thousands of servicemembers. Supporting our troops and investing in our national defense remain among my top priorities in Congress. I am pleased to see the NDAA do just that while building on the strong commitments of the Trump Administration’s policy goals.”
Key elements of the FY26 NDAA include a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers as proposed by the Trump Administration, expansion of military bonuses and special pay, and reauthorization measures aimed at improving servicemember welfare. The bill also codifies executive orders and legislative provisions requested by the administration regarding military policy changes.
The legislation authorizes continued support from both National Guard and active-duty personnel to assist Border Patrol operations at the southwest border. It also includes measures intended to counter threats from foreign terrorist organizations and adversarial states.
Additionally, the bill is projected to save taxpayers over $20 billion, with $15 billion attributed to savings initiatives assumed in President Trump’s budget request.
Mike Simpson has represented Idaho’s 2nd district in Congress since 1999 after previously serving in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1984 to 1998. He was born in Burley, Idaho in 1950 and currently lives in Idaho Falls.