Congressman Mackenzie Applauds Passage of Defense Appropriations Act

July 18, 2025

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing the Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, joined his colleagues in passing the Defense Appropriations Act, 2026. The legislation provides $831.5 billion to strengthen America’s defense, maintain military superiority, and support servicemembers and their families. Notably, the legislation includes three Mackenzie-authored amendments and one he co-sponsored, reflecting his leadership on priorities for the Greater Lehigh Valley and the nation.

“Americans want a secure nation and the best for our troops, and I’m proud to be supporting legislation that prioritizes their needs,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “By investing in advanced weaponry, giving our servicemembers a much-deserved pay raise, and securing our borders, we’re delivering the commonsense solutions that Americans are counting on to ensure the safety of our communities and our nation. This defense funding bill reinforces the United States’ commitment to a strong national defense and honors our promise to those who serve.”

The Defense Appropriations Act, 2026 focuses resources on core national security needs. It advances an America First strategy that modernizes our military, boosts emerging defense technologies, secures the homeland, and cares for service members and their families. Key highlights include:

PA-07 Investments

Amendment #184 - Supports funding for improving the cost and speed of heavy forgings for Navy nuclear propulsion systems, supporting jobs and growth at companies like Lehigh Heavy Forge in Bethlehem.
Amendment #186 - Supports funding for battery research to improve defense production, helping protect and grow manufacturing jobs at companies like those across Pennsylvania’s industrial sector.
Amendment #185 - Supports funding to advance hypersonic alloy research — leveraging innovation at institutions like Lehigh University and strengthening the region’s industrial base and workforce pipeline.
Amendment #159 - Supports funding for the Army’s Heavy Dump Truck program — sustaining critical production lines at companies like Mack Defense in Allentown and delivering the tactical vehicles our troops rely on, while supporting a key manufacturer in the Lehigh Valley.
- Watch Congressman Mackenzie’s remarks in support of this bipartisan amendment HERE.

Major investments in U.S. military superiority and innovation

Approximately $13 billion for integrated missile defense and space initiatives and over $2.6 billion for developing hypersonic weapons to outpace adversaries.
Funding for next-generation fighter jets, shipbuilding, missile defense, and weapons to maintain U.S. military superiority.
Continued modernization of nuclear deterrents and advanced space systems to protect against global threats.

Support for service members and their families

A 3.8% pay raise for all military personnel starting January 1, 2026, building on the historic pay increases enacted last year for junior enlisted troops.
Quality-of-life improvements for our troops, such as slowing the rate of permanent change-of-station moves (saving over $662 million) to provide greater stability for military families.
Increased funding for military healthcare and family support programs – including robust investment in the Defense Health Program for medical care and research, as well as initiatives to expand childcare access and spouse employment opportunities.

Strengthening border security and counter-narcotics efforts

$1.15 billion dedicated to counter-drug programs (about $245 million above the President’s request), along with increased support for the National Guard’s counter-narcotics operations.
Strategic measures to improve border security, including transferring responsibility for Mexico from U.S. Northern Command to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination in combating drug cartels and trafficking.