River Bend Times

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2026. The bill fully funds the military and includes a pay raise for service members. It also aims to reinforce national security both domestically and internationally.

"This bill gives our troops the pay raise they deserve and the resources they need to defend this country," stated Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. "It protects jobs at home, advances our refueling capabilities, and preserves our military history."

The legislation incorporates two amendments by Rep. Miller-Meeks that aim to protect defense jobs in Iowa and invest in next-generation aerial refueling technology. Additionally, it ensures that the Rock Island Arsenal Museum remains operational to preserve military history.

Miller-Meeks Amendment 235 blocks any funding from being used to close the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, safeguarding an important part of America's military heritage. Amendment 453 transfers funding to support advanced air-to-air refueling technologies aimed at improving pilot safety and mission effectiveness while reducing fuel usage.

Rep. Miller-Meeks is collaborating with Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert on workforce protections in Amendment 234. A revised version will be presented during conference negotiations.

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act includes several key elements:

- Troop Support: Increases basic pay by 3.8% for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.

- Ending Woke and Wasteful Spending: Codifies orders to end DEI programs and prohibits taxpayer funding for certain activities.

- Restoring Combat Readiness: Boosts funding for aircraft like the F-35 and modernizes the nuclear triad.

- Border Security: Provides $1.15 billion for counterdrug programs.

- Countering Adversaries: Allocates funds for Taiwan Security Cooperation and Israeli Missile Defense.

A veteran of 24 years in the Army, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has consistently advocated for protecting defense workforces and installations such as Rock Island Arsenal.