Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

Floor Speech

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Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Oklahoma, Chairman Tom Cole, for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7148, which includes my bill, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026. This legislation was a true bipartisan effort by all four corners of the Defense Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations.

The world is more dangerous than ever. China continues its rapid military expansion. Russia and Iran remain persistent threats. Illicit drugs continue to harm Americans here at home. This bill answers that challenge.

It provides $839.2 billion to strengthen deterrence, support the administration's America First defense agenda, and modernize our force.

It invests in next-generation aircraft, the nuclear triad, critical munitions, missile defense, and naval power, funding 17 new ships and sustaining fleet readiness.

The bill also drives innovation and efficiency, delivers a 3.8 percent pay raise for our servicemembers, strengthens counterdrug efforts, and invests in our defense industrial base and infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, these are strategic investments to protect the American people and to project strength abroad, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

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