Calvert Remarks On H.R. 7148, The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

Thank you. Chairman Cole – we cannot thank you enough for your steadfast leadership and clear-eyed purpose to return us back to regular order, culminating today in the passage of the four final appropriations bills.  

I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026.  This legislation was a true bipartisan effort by all four corners of Defense Appropriations.  I would like to thank the Ranking Member and my friend, Betty McCollum for her partnership on this legislation.  I would also like to thank the entire Defense Appropriations Subcommittee staff for their tireless work and thoughtful recommendations throughout the process.  

Today, our country faces a dangerous and increasingly complex threat environment.  China continues to advance its military capability at an unprecedented rate.  While bloodied, Russia and Iran continue to threaten the Europe and the Middle East.  And until one year ago, our unsecured borders facilitated the flow of illicit drugs into the country, killing thousands of Americans. 

This legislation answers the call, providing $839.2 billion for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community to protect America and deter war. This bill supports the Administration's America First defense agenda, supports the Department's innovation efforts, and includes my four key priorities.   F

First, this bill builds a technologically equipped fighting force to ensure we remain the strongest military in the world.  It enhances investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft, including the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.  The bill also supports and prioritizes the modernization of the nuclear triad through investing in the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class Submarine, and the Sentinel I-C-B-M.  It supports the Department's innovative efforts to increase efficiency and production of  critical munitions.  It also provides $7.1 billion to sustain Navy ship operations and $27.2 billion for 17 new ships, including seven battle-force ships to include one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, three Medium Landing Ships, and one anti-submarine warfare ship.  The bill also provides approximately $13.4 billion in support of the Golden Dome effort.  

Second, this bill advances innovation efforts, increases competition, and drives down costs to create a more efficient and effective Department of Defense. This includes a $1.2 billion reduction for efficiencies and to streamline management functions and a cut of $1.2 billion to support the Administration's efforts to reshape the civilian workforce.  Furthermore, it delivers a 3.8% pay raise to our heroic military servicemembers and provides $6 billion in transfer authority to support agile execution of the Administration's military priorities.  

Third, this legislation combats international actors who are manufacturing and trafficking illegal drugs into the county.  The bill provides $1.1 billion for counter-drug programs.  It increases funding for the National Guard Counter-Drug Program and maintains the current location for United States Southern Command headquarters, a signal of our nation's sustained commitment to the Western Hemisphere. 

And finally, this legislation prioritizes modernization, innovation, and the industrial base. It provides $18.8 billion for facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization to sustain installations, public shipyards, and other facilities.  The bill supports commercial/dual-use technology and innovative projects through providing $429.5 million for the Defense Innovation Unit and $400 million for Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies or APFIT.  It includes robust funding to establish the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network, and almost $98 million for the Office of Strategic Capital to facilitate over $4.3 billion in loans and loan guarantees for critical suppliers to scale production capacity.  This bill is an investment in the future defense industrial base which has languished for too long.  We need more providers, more competition, more capability that is delivered in a time frame of relevance. 

Now, more than ever, the United States requires the strategic investments to defend and protect the American people at home and demonstrate our strength abroad.   

In closing, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and yield back the balance of my time.