Strong Backs FY27 Defense Spending Bill

U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-05) praised the House Appropriations Committee this week after it approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, sending the measure to the full House for consideration.

The legislation is the last of the 12 annual appropriations bills approved by the committee this cycle. According to the House Appropriations Committee, the measure provides $1.072 trillion in discretionary national defense funding, with major investments in military modernization, missile defense, advanced weapons, research, and domestic manufacturing. The bill also includes funding increases for military pay and family support programs.

Strong, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said the legislation will strengthen national defense while supporting one of North Alabama's largest economic engines.

"This bill delivers historic investments in missile defense, hypersonic weapons, military modernization, defense innovation, and domestic manufacturing — priorities that strengthen Redstone Arsenal's mission, support North Alabama's workforce, and ensure the United States remains prepared to confront evolving threats around the globe," Strong said.

Redstone Arsenal, located in Huntsville, is home to several key Army commands, the Missile Defense Agency, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and numerous defense contractors. The funding priorities outlined in the bill closely align with many of the installation's missions, including missile defense, Army modernization, weapons development, aerospace research, and advanced technology.

House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), said the measure responds to lessons learned from recent conflicts while preparing the U.S. military for future threats.

"The passage of our annual defense appropriations bill fulfills our commitment to keep America safe and ensure the U.S. military remains the strongest fighting force in the world. Recent conflicts have highlighted the pressing need to acquire and produce the munitions, weapons, and technology our troops require to meet the moment in both modern and future warfare," Calvert said.

Calvert also singled out Strong for his work during development of the legislation.

"I commend Representative Strong for his tireless advocacy for strengthening America's national security. His deep understanding of the warfighter's needs, along with the critical capabilities being developed at Redstone Arsenal, has been a valuable contribution to the Subcommittee's work. Strong's leadership and forward-thinking approach have helped ensure America remains ahead of evolving threats. I appreciate his partnership and his continued commitment to strengthening our national security."

Among its largest investments, the legislation provides $248.3 billion for military procurement and $221.01 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation. Those funds are intended to modernize equipment, accelerate next-generation weapons systems, and expand America's technological edge.

The measure also increases support for defense innovation by providing $1.1 billion for the Defense Innovation Unit and $600 million for the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies program. Those initiatives focus on rapidly deploying emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, directed-energy weapons, battlefield logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Service members would also receive pay raises under the proposal. Military personnel ranked E-5 and below would receive a 7 percent increase, while those from E-6 through O-4 would receive 6 percent. Officers ranked O-4 and above would receive a 5 percent raise. The bill also expands funding for military family counseling programs and provides $60 million for the STARBASE STEM education initiative.

To strengthen the nation's industrial base, the bill allocates more than $2.9 billion for programs supporting domestic defense manufacturing, supply chain security, and weapons production. It also includes provisions supporting procurement of lower-cost munitions, expanding multiyear purchasing authority, and prohibiting the destruction of surplus firearms and spent brass.

The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for debate and consideration before any differences with the Senate can be resolved.