WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement following the full committee markup of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:
“In revitalizing America’s industrial base, enhancing quality of life for our servicemembers, and lowering barriers for small businesses, giving them greater opportunities to innovate and be a part of our supply chains, this FY27 NDAA delivers and builds upon critical components of Peace Through Strength,” said Rep. Finstad. “I was proud to support the Committee’s passage of this crucial, bipartisan legislation, and look forward to getting it to the House Floor.”
Finstad continued, “Included in the Chairman’s Mark, the Committee’s proposed $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, was the National Guard Relief Act, legislation I introduced to designate the National Guard Relief Foundation as a military welfare society, ensuring our National Guard Members and their families have assistance in times of need. I am grateful to see this legislation move forward and will continue working to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers who work tirelessly to protect this great nation.”
“Thanks to Congressman Finstad’s leadership, the FY27 NDAA designates the National Guard Relief Foundation as an official Military Relief Organization – a critical policy that will support National Guard members facing difficult circumstances,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. “He’s been a strong advocate for servicemembers, military families, and veterans in Minnesota and across the country. I look forward to working together to revitalize our defense industrial base, restock the Arsenal of Freedom, and reinforce our national security.”
Also included in the FY27 NDAA is language from Congressman Finstad’s legislation, the Strategic Transparency Act, ensuring that the United States remains equipped with the information necessary to respond to China’s growing influence and evolving military capabilities.
Congressman Finstad authored 14 provisions and numerous amendments within this year’s NDAA that strengthen our overall national defense, such as:
- Streamlining the transition of medics in the Armed Forces to the civilian workforce in health care occupations;
- Authorizing the Secretary of Defense to procure sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for operational or training purposes;
- Amending the Mentor-Protégé program to ensure program integrity and includes incentives for large businesses to increase their small business subcontracting through participation with Protégés in the program.
