National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. 8800.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, throughout our committee's oversight hearings this year, we have heard a consistent theme: The defense industrial base, the foundation of our military power, is in deep trouble. Over the last 30 years, the defense industrial base has atrophied significantly. We are no longer capable of manufacturing for our warfighters at scale and speed.

In the 1990s, America had 51 prime defense contractors. Today only six remain. Skilled talent has left the workforce, leaving hundreds of thousands of defense manufacturing jobs unfilled. Excessive regulation pushed small businesses, startups, and private capital out of the defense business. Inconsistent demand signals discouraged prime contractors from investing in production capacity.

As a result, our stockpiles of critical defense articles have fallen to dangerously low levels. That includes critical minerals, which we have very little capacity to mine, refine, or process.

While America allowed vital manufacturing capability to erode, China did not. China's shipbuilding capacity dwarfs ours. They are outproducing us on ships, drones, and munitions. They control over 90 percent of the world's critical mineral refining and processing capacity, and they have embedded themselves deep within our defense supply chains.

The consequences are clear. There are growing doubts about our ability to sustain a protracted conflict against China and our other adversaries, and that is unacceptable.

We must take action to address these problems before American deterrence erodes any further.

The FY27 NDAA, takes that action. This year's bill is focused on revitalizing the defense industrial base. We are giving industry the certainty it needs to invest, expand, and produce faster. We are cutting needless regulations that prevent innovative businesses from working with the Pentagon. We are reviving our organic industrial base by improving conditions at our depots, arsenals, and shipyards. We are securing our supply chain by giving the Department authorities to better identify vulnerabilities and then replace them with domestic or allied sources, and we are creating new jobs and helping Americans build advanced technical skills.

In addition to revitalizing the defense industrial base, the NDAA meets our other crucial needs. We are raising pay for servicemembers and improving housing, education, and childcare for military families. We are strengthening our nuclear deterrence and missile defense, while maintaining a strong posture to deter our adversaries, and we are prioritizing the development of innovative technologies that will give our warfighters the edge in future conflicts.

To support these policies, we are authorizing $1.15 trillion in discretionary funds to match President Trump's historic budget request. For the first time in 40 years, we have been presented a budget that accounts for the true cost of American deterrence. This top line begins to reverse the damage caused by decades of underinvestment in the U.S. military.

However, we understand that with this historic investment comes an even more urgent need to guard against waste, fraud, and abuse. The bill does so by cutting nearly $30 billion in wasteful spending, reducing fraudulent payments, and providing new authorities to ensure the Pentagon achieves a full, clean audit within 24 months.

Peace through strength doesn't begin on the battlefield. It begins in our factories, our depots, and our shipyards. This bill reflects our commitment to rebuilding that foundation. It will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and other adversaries.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, June 29, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Agriculture does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 29, 2026. Hon. Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Thompson: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Agriculture has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Agriculture is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800. the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Appropriations.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Appropriations does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees.

Sincerely, Tom Cole, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Tom Cole, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Cole: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Appropriations has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Appropriations is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Budget.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on the Budget does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Jodey C. Arrington, Chairman, Committee on the Budget. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Jodey C. Arrington, Chairman, Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Arrington: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on the Budget has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on the Budget is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Education and Workforce, Washington, DC, June 10, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and Workforce.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Education and Workforce does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Tim Walberg, Chairman, Committee on Education and Workforce. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Tim Walberg, Chairman, Committee on Education and Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Walberg: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Education and Workforce has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Education and Workforce is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. While there are provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, I write this letter to notify you that the Committee wil forgo action on the bill and waive any sequential referral rights so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration.

This is done with the understanding that the Committee's jurisdictional interests over this and similar legislation are in no way diminished or altered. In addition, the Committee reserves the right to seek conferees on H.R. 8800 and requests your support when such a request is made.

I would appreciate your response confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 8800 and ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the committee report on the bill or in the Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the House floor. Sincerely, Brett Guthrie, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Brett Guthrie, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Guthrie: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Energy and Commerce has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Energy and Commerce is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Foreign Affairs does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Brian Mast, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 13, 2026. Hon. Brian Mast, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Mast: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Foreign Affairs has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Foreign Affairs is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Homeland Security does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Andrew R. Garbarino, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Andrew R. Garbarino, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Garbarino: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Homeland Security has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Homeland Security is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Eric A. ``Rick'' Crawford, Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Eric A. ``Rick'' Crawford, Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Crawford: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I write regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. Provisions of this bill fall within the Judiciary Committee's Rule X jurisdiction, and I appreciate that you consulted with us on those provisions. The Judiciary Committee agrees that it will forgo any further consideration of the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor.

The Committee takes this action with the understanding that forgoing further consideration of this measure does not in any way alter the Committee's jurisdiction or waive any future jurisdictional claim over these provisions or their subject matter. We also reserve the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees in the event of a conference with the Senate involving this measure or similar legislation.

I ask that you please include this letter in your committee's report to accompany this legislation. I appreciate the cooperative manner in which our committees have worked on this matter, and I look forward to working collaboratively in the future on matters of shared jurisdiction. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Jim Jordan, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Jim Jordan, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Jordan: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on the Judiciary has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on the Judiciary is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, June 10, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Natural Resources does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Westerman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Natural Resources has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Natural Resources is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform agrees to be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor.

By foregoing consideration of H.R. 8800 at this time, I do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and I ask to be appropriately consulted and involved on this or similar legislation as it moves forward. I also would seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees from my committee to any House-Senate conference on this legislation.

I ask that you place a copy of our exchange of letters on this bill in the bill report filed by the Committee on Armed Services and in the Congressional Record during House floor consideration thereof. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this bill and look forward to future opportunities to work together on matters of shared jurisdiction. Sincerely, James Comer, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. James Comer, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Comer: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Brian Babin, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Brian Babin, Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Babin: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, Washington, DC, June 10, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Small Business (Committee).

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Small Business does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Roger Williams, Chairman, Committee on Small Business. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Roger Williams, Chairman, Committee on Small Business, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Williams: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Small Business has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Small Business is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, June 10, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

In the interest of permitting your Committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name Members of this Committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Sam Graves, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Sam Graves, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Graves: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

In the interest of permitting the Committee on Armed Services to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive consideration of this bill by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill at this time, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs does not waive any future claim on the subject matters in the bill that fall within its jurisdiction and that my Committee will be appropriately consulted on any issues that fall under its jurisdiction. Further, I request that you urge the Speaker Johnson to name members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions to ensure that we deliver the best NDAA for our servicemembers and their families.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 as well as in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the continued partnership between our two Committees to improve the lives of active duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Sincerely, Mike Bost, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Mike Bost, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bost: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, June 11, 2026. Hon. Mike Rogers, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Rogers: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 8800, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027''. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means.

In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Ways and Means does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions.

Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 8800 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, Jason Smith, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, June 12, 2026. Hon. Jason Smith, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I agree that the Committee on Ways and Means has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to request a referral in the interest of expediting consideration of the bill. I agree that by foregoing a sequential referral, the Committee on Ways and Means is not waiving its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of letters will be included in the committee report on the bill. Sincerely, Mike Rogers, Chairman.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais), the chairman of Strategic Forces Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Kelly), the chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Jackson), chairman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Fallon), chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), my friend and colleague.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to support the National Defense Authorization Act.

We all appreciate Chairman Mike Rogers for his leadership and commitment for our men and women in uniform and for promoting peace through strength.

We are in a conflict we did not choose between dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law.

This National Defense Authorization Act prepares America for emerging threats from our adversaries who, working together, seek to destroy our hard-won freedom.

This bill makes clear that we stand with our allies against murderous invasion. America is engaged in worldwide competition. There is inclusion of robust authorization for nuclear modernization, emerging technologies, information operations, and industrial capacity advancements.

President Donald Trump has made it clear: We will defend American families with our allies and give our warriors the tools they need to win.

Israeli research has been vital for missile defense, and Ukraine is leading on drones and robotics.

The late Sergeant Thomas Caughman of Lexington, South Carolina, an American hero, is correct: Freedom is not free.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans).

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Moylan), an outstanding member of the Armed Services Committee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mills), another outstanding member of the Armed Services Committee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Strong), a former member of the Armed Services Committee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. McGuire), a freshman member of the Armed Services Committee.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

First, I will take a minute to thank my friend, Ranking Member Smith, for his tremendous partnership in fashioning this piece of bipartisan work that is so important for our Nation. He has been a great partner, and I do want everybody to know that.

This is a very important bill. It provides critical authorities for our warfighters to keep us free and safe.

I urge all Members to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, Congress established the Afghanistan War Commission to provide the American people with accountability and transparency after 20 years of war that claimed nearly 2,500 American servicemembers.

The commission has interviewed hundreds of senior leaders across four administrations and reviewed thousands of sensitive records.

While the commission has completed a first draft of its report, government shutdowns and delays in accessing certain agency records have made a 1-year extension necessary.

I share the desire for accountability, but we don't get it if the commission is forced to turn in an incomplete product. This extension will ensure the commission's work is complete and accurate.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to oppose the amendment, respectfully.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, this amendment strikes a provision that prohibits the enrollment of Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and North Korean students at our military academies and replaces it with an outright ban on all foreign students, including our allies.

The fact is, there is tremendous benefit in having our cadets study and train alongside cadets of our allies and partners.

Furthermore, the law requires that allies who send students must pay the full tuition and room and board expenses so that the U.S. taxpayer is not paying a dime for those foreign students.

The law also requires these students to be vetted by Homeland Security, State, and DOW to ensure they are not a threat. Finally, the law caps the number of accepted so that no Americans are displaced by the foreign students.

The underlying bill already codifies the prohibition of those students from our adversaries. We shouldn't extend that prohibition to our allies. As such, I oppose this amendment.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chair, President Trump has made it a priority to ensure that our cadets and midshipmen are treated like other college athletes and are able to compete on a level playing field with other Division I universities.

The current statutory limit of five slots per year for cadets and midshipmen to ``go pro'' is burdensome and prevents superior athletes from choosing to attend a service academy.

These folks will still need to satisfy the 5-year service obligation in the Reserves where they will be an effective recruiting force for our military academies. As such, I respectfully oppose this amendment.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, pursuant to House Resolution 1438, I offer amendments en bloc.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, at this time I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, at this time I have no speakers, and I urge adoption of the en bloc package. I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, while I agree with the amendment's intent to increase burden sharing, I must respectfully oppose it.

The Department of War opposes this amendment.

Secretary Hegseth requested funding for these authorities in the budget because training with our allies and partners is essential to U.S. military readiness. Many of our partners, specifically those in the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific, cannot participate in joint exercises without some limited financial assistance from the U.S.

Those exercises are critical to ensuring American forces can train and operate effectively alongside our allies and partners in a conflict with China. Defunding those programs would only make it harder to strengthen burden sharing to deter China and to defend the homeland.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to oppose this amendment.

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Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Chair, thanks to President Trump's PURL initiative, our European allies are funding the vast majority of Ukraine's defense. That is exactly as it should be. However, even though our allies pay for those U.S. weapons with that money, the Department still needs the funding to implement the President's policy.

This amendment would also defund intelligence-sharing and end-use monitoring that has kept U.S. weapons from ending up in the wrong hands.

The administration continues to support providing Ukraine intelligence and PURL Initiative in an effort to force Putin to the negotiating table. We shouldn't cut off the President's negotiating leverage.

Madam Chair, for those reasons, I respectfully oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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