River Bend Times

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a measure that includes a pay increase for U.S. servicemembers, improvements to military housing and healthcare, and protections for operations at Rock Island Arsenal.

The legislation provides a 3.8% pay raise for troops, expands childcare options, and strengthens access to healthcare and mental health services. It also aims to reform the Pentagon’s acquisition process so that military personnel receive necessary equipment more efficiently.

“As a 24-year Army veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day,” said Miller-Meeks. “This NDAA not only delivers a well-deserved pay raise and better quality of life for our troops and their families, it ensures they are equipped with the cutting-edge technologies needed to prevail on future battlefields. By advancing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda, we are restoring America’s military advantage, protecting our defense industrial base, and making certain Rock Island Arsenal remains a pillar of readiness.”

The NDAA allocates funds for next-generation aircraft, ships, and missile defense systems while encouraging the adoption of artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, robotics, and digital manufacturing. The bill establishes new authorities and pilot programs intended to integrate commercial innovation into military operations more rapidly.

For service members and their families, the act authorizes expanded bonuses in addition to the pay raise. It includes over $360 million for new childcare facilities across all branches. The legislation also seeks to streamline acquisition processes to prevent delays in delivering technology to warfighters.

Rock Island Arsenal is highlighted as an important employer in Iowa's Quad Cities region, supporting more than 15,000 jobs and contributing over $1.2 billion annually to the local economy. Nearly half its employees are Iowans—many of them veterans who have transitioned into civilian roles.

Miller-Meeks has advocated for safeguarding Rock Island Arsenal’s workforce by addressing proposed consolidations with Army leadership and introducing amendments aimed at preserving jobs at the facility. The NDAA prohibits restructuring of key commands at Rock Island until Congress receives a comprehensive plan from the Army.

The bill also directs efforts toward modernizing arsenals like Rock Island to maintain their role in munitions production and national defense readiness.

Miller-Meeks has served as U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 1st District since 2021 after succeeding Dave Loebsack; she previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2019 to 2021 (https://millermeeks.house.gov/about). She was born in Herlong, California in 1955 and currently resides in Le Claire (https://millermeeks.house.gov/about). She earned her BSN from Texas Christian University in 1976.

Her vote on this NDAA supports Iowa servicemembers, veterans, and defense workers while seeking to ensure continued military preparedness.