WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of the House of Representatives, this afternoon, by a vote of 216-212.

"America's military must remain the strongest, best-equipped, and most capable fighting force in the world," Rep. Austin Scott said. "The amendments I sponsored strengthen our warfighters at Robins and Moody Air Force Bases, improve military readiness of our National Guard, modernize our defense enterprise, and reinforce the partnerships that are essential to deterring aggression. They reflect a commitment to ensuring our servicemembers have every advantage should they ever be called upon to defend our nation."

Scott continued, "From protecting our Special Operations Forces and strengthening our defense industrial base to expanding cooperation with trusted allies like Poland and enhancing critical military capabilities, the amendments I have sponsored this cycle help ensure the United States is prepared to meet the security challenges of today and the threats of tomorrow."

"Representative Austin Scott continues to be a leader on the House Armed Services Committee, advancing thoughtful reforms that strengthen our military and improve our nation's readiness.  His amendments strengthen our military from the tactical level to the strategic level—supporting our Special Operations Forces, National Guard, defense industrial base, key allies, and critical warfighting capabilities such as the A-10. I appreciate his leadership and the significant contributions he made to this year's National Defense Authorization Act," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03).

Representative Scott successfully secured adoption of 26 floor amendments that:

• Protect the identities of Special Operations Forces and other personnel involved in sensitive military activities.

• Strengthen intelligence and analysis of foreign defense-industrial supply chains supporting peer adversaries.

• Improve National Guard readiness by expanding counterdrug authorities and enhancing the National Guard's representation across the joint force.

• Preserve the E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communications Node mission at Robins AFB and authorize expanded procurement of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

• Improve expeditionary infrastructure and contested logistics through enhanced Seabee readiness.

• Codify the Joint Special Operations University as the Department of Defense's principal institution for special operations education, research, and professional development.

• Ensure deployed servicemembers are not charged for meals while serving aboard deployed or underway U.S. naval vessels.

• Expand U.S.-Poland cooperation through new military space and special operations partnership programs.

• Extend and modernize the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative through 2031.

• Increase funding for the Regional Defense Fellowship Program to strengthen security cooperation with allies and partners.

• Support military history, professional education, and institutional knowledge through statutory authorization of the Department of the Navy Library.

• Honor America's naval heritage by expressing the sense of Congress that future Navy ships should bear the names USS United States and USS Shangri-La.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and establishes policies to strengthen the readiness, capabilities, and effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces.