Members of the House of Representatives passed the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 out of the House. The bill passed with support from 214 Republicans and 17 Democrats.
The legislation includes Nick LaLota’s (R-Rocky Point) amendment requiring the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to examine commuting distances and housing allowances for servicemembers in high-cost regions such as Long Island, where the lack of affordable housing has become a major challenge.
“During my recent visit to Coast Guard Station Shinnecock, multiple Coasties told me their housing allowance prevents them from affording a home within an hour of their duty station—hurting both their quality of life and their ability to serve effectively,” LaLota said. “No one wearing America’s uniform should be priced out of their post. My amendment is a first step toward fixing this problem, and I will keep fighting until our servicemembers get the quality-of-life support they deserve.”
Among the terms in the amended legislation are a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers; an assessment of the impact on the quality of life, recruitment, and retention of members of the Armed Forces, particularly with respect to members assigned to unique geographic areas in which local housing conditions create disproportionate challenges, including Montauk and Hampton Bays; Over $2.8 billion for aircraft spare and repair parts; and funding for hypersonic weapons, among other programs.
The bill would also expand U.S. production capacity and provide certainty to contractors, helping to rebuild the shrinking defense industrial base while encouraging new, innovative entrants; make Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II permanent and extend authority to Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). Additionally, it would authorize DoD from FY26-29 to award one additional sequential Phase II SBIR or STTR award to a small business that received an additional Phase II for continued work.