Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Representative of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district | Official U.S. House headshot
Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Representative of Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden announced the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of the House Armed Services Committee. In a statement, Rep. Van Orden criticized the previous administration, stating, “Under the Biden administration, the world was a much more dangerous place due to sheer incompetence and mismanagement.” He praised current leadership under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for restoring readiness in the Armed Forces.
Rep. Van Orden highlighted several provisions he championed in the FY26 NDAA. These include ensuring milk availability at military dining facilities through the Strengthening Our Servicemembers with Milk Act and providing veterans with transition information via the TAP Promotion Act. Additional measures include dental care coverage for reservists under TRICARE and codifying DoD authority to support counterterrorism efforts.
Other priorities involve modernizing armed forces with funds allocated for robotic training targets and engine modernization for Collaborative Combat Aircraft platforms. Enhancements in Air Force surveillance capabilities are also addressed by mandating commercial data analytics use.
The act aims to elevate defense technology by accelerating innovative tech development for Special Forces and requiring briefings on AI-enabled systems' operational lethality. Furthermore, it seeks to strengthen cooperation with allies through an emerging technology program with Israel.
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