Southern Indiana Today

Today, Representative Mark Messmer (R-IN) announced the committee passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026. This legislation is responsible for funding the Department of Defense.

"As a member of House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in the House of Representatives, the safety and security of Hoosiers and all Americans is my top priority in an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable world," said Rep. Messmer (R-IN). "HASC’s passage of this important NDAA legislation signals to our foreign adversaries that American fortitude is back and the days of appeasement are over. With President Trump’s return to the White House, and Republicans in control of Congress, the defense of our country and investment in our national security is once again on the front burner."

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MS) praised Rep. Messmer's dedication to Indiana's Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center and their contributions to hypersonic missile weapons development.

"Congressman Messmer has been a tireless advocate for strengthening America’s missile defense and staying ahead in the race for hypersonic weapons," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MS). "Through his work on the Readiness and Strategic Forces Subcommittees, he’s helping deliver critical investments in the FY26 NDAA that will protect our homeland, deter our adversaries, and keep America’s edge in advanced technologies. Indiana plays a vital role in our defense industrial base, and Congressman Messmer’s leadership ensures that Hoosier innovation continues to drive forward our nation’s security."

The NDAA legislation holds significant importance for the defense industry both in Indiana's 8th District and across the United States. It reforms acquisition systems at the Department of Defense, ensures warfighters' lethality over adversaries, advances President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda, supports his Golden Dome for America policy, funds hypersonic weapons procurement and research, and authorizes essential funding for America's nuclear triad.