Foxx Opening Remarks on H.R. 3838

As prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon, the Committee will come to order. 
 
Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time.
 
Today, the Rules Committee is convening to consider a single measure: H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
 
We will certainly hear a lot of robust discussion on the legislation that’s before us today, so I will keep my opening comments brief.
 
Congress’ first duty is to provide for the common defense of the nation – it’s a constitutional mandate that we are charged with upholding.

The NDAA undergirds America’s national defense policy. 
 
It works to ensure that America’s armed forces remain the best equipped and prepared in the entire world.
 
It has always been a bipartisan effort – one that helps the men and women who defend our nation achieve their mission whether by land, sea, or air.
 
The FY26 NDAA furthers the strong commitments of Congress and President Trump to build a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force that will effectively deter our nation’s adversaries.
 
It codifies all, or parts of, 15 separate executive orders issued by President Trump that relate to fortifying our nation’s national security and defense postures.

Further, this legislation:

• Yields $20 billion in savings, including $15 billion from reforms spearheaded by DOGE;
• Works to improve the quality of life for the nation’s servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise and improved benefits for military families;
• Cuts bureaucratic red tape that threatens our nation’s competitive advantage on the world stage; and
• Equips the nation’s warfighters with the capabilities they need in the most cost-effective manner possible. 

The FY26 NDAA also makes commitments to deter aggression from rogue regimes such as China, Russia, Iran and foreign terrorist organizations that pose a serious threat to America’s national security and our way of life.

This legislation would not be possible without the bipartisan, collaborative efforts of the members and staff of the Armed Services Committee.
 
As this process now moves to the Rules Committee, and soon to the floor for full consideration, I expect the same level of bipartisanship and collaboration will be present.
 
With many Republicans and Democrats coming to testify here today, we’ll be presented with a wide range of ideas that will receive fair consideration.
 
With that, I look forward to today’s discussion, and I now yield to the Ranking Member, Mr. McGovern, for any comments that he wishes to make.

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