Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew celebrated the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which delivers major national security wins while securing several key provisions he fought to include for South Jersey and the country.

"This is a strong defense bill, and it is good for our country," said Congressman Van Drew. "We are giving our troops a well-deserved pay raise, standing up to China and Iran, and making sure our military families have the support they need. I am also proud of what we delivered for South Jersey. We are helping law enforcement protect our kids, getting better equipment into the hands of our police, strengthening the 177th Air National Guard Fighter Wing with a major investment, and continuing the upgrades at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. These are real results that matter in people's lives. At the end of the day, this is about keeping America strong and taking care of our own. I am proud to fight for the men and women of this country and proud of what we accomplished in this bill."

Van Drew Provisions Included in the FY26 NDAA:

PROTECT Our Children Act- Reauthorizes and strengthens the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program to help law enforcement track down predators and keep kids safe online.

Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding Emergencies (CARE) Act- Ensures every trauma kit purchased with federal funds meets life-saving national standards, so police have the right equipment when seconds matter.

Major Investment for the 177th Fighter Wing- Authorizes $68 million in funding for a new maintenance hangar in Egg Harbor Township so the 177th can support next-generation fighter jets and continue defending our region and the nation.

Upgrades at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May- Includes funding for temporary bathrooms on top of the larger $425 million modernization effort Rep. Van Drew secured for the nation's only Coast Guard enlisted training center.