WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:
“From improving service member quality of life to strengthening American deterrence and defense to eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, the FY27 NDAA makes America stronger,” said Rep. Finstad. “I was proud to support this critical, bipartisan legislation not only in the House Armed Services Committee, but on the House Floor as well.”
Finstad continued, “I’m grateful to see my legislation, the National Guard Relief Act, and language from my Strategic Transparency Act included in this $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, ensuring our National Guard members and their families have assistance in times of need and that America has the information necessary to respond to China’s evolving military capabilities and influence.”
The National Guard Relief Act would designate the National Guard Relief Foundation as a military welfare society under Title 10 of United States Code, improving the foundation’s ability to assist more National Guard members as they continue to serve the country.
The Strategic Transparency Act would extend the “Annual Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” through 2030 and expand its scope by requiring the report to include an analysis of nuclear and drone development, foreign farmland acquisitions, cyber capabilities, and biotech 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 include incentives for large businesses to increase their small business subcontracting through participation with Protégés in the program.
