U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate with a vote of 77-20.
“South Carolina is integral to our nation’s defense and military readiness, and this year’s NDAA ensures the state continues to play a leading role in supporting our military and its missions,” said Senator Scott. “I’m pleased the Senate has passed my provisions in the NDAA that equip our servicemembers with the resources, training, and support necessary to execute their duties with excellence. As threats grow around the world, it is essential that we confront them with strength and resolve.”
The FY26 NDAA authorizes nearly $915 billion for national defense, including approximately $879 billion for Department of Defense programs and about $35 billion for national security initiatives at the Department of Energy. The legislation includes a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel and aims to increase competition within the defense industrial base to foster innovation while lowering taxpayer costs.
To help maintain technological advantages, the NDAA enhances efforts by the Department of Defense to adopt new technologies and streamline acquisition processes so that modernization can occur more rapidly.
Senator Scott played a role in advancing a provision requiring the Department of Defense to develop a Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy. This strategy will focus on recruiting, training, and retaining cyber talent across all branches of the military. It will include an assessment of current capabilities, identification of workforce gaps, establishment of performance indicators, and encouragement of partnerships with universities, industry leaders, and other federal agencies.
Other provisions supported by Senator Scott aim to benefit South Carolina’s military families and strengthen the state’s involvement in national security matters.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Scott also advanced additional measures related to these areas.
