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Congressman Derek Schmidt announced several provisions he secured for Kansas and military families in H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation passed the House Armed Services Committee with strong bipartisan support in a 55-2 vote and is expected to go before the full House in September.

“The FY 2026 NDAA strengthens our military while supporting quality of life and protecting vital assets in our Second Congressional District,” Congressman Schmidt said. “I’ve worked closely with military leadership for months to ensure our servicemembers, their families, and our military interests in Kansas benefit from our committee’s work to strengthen America’s national defense. I’m proud of the legislation we produced, and I look forward to voting for it on the House floor.”

Schmidt’s priorities in the bill include protecting Department of Defense medical facilities like Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley and preserving the National Simulation Center at Fort Leavenworth. The legislation also advances a pilot program to test new burn and blast treatments, expands Army drone training space, and increases restroom access for DoD-contracted drivers.

Other provisions support a 3.8% military pay raise, prevent Army Reserve helicopter unit deactivation, protect jobs tied to the Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail program, and streamline credentialing for military healthcare professionals.

Schmidt also backed efforts to ease school transitions for military families and expand small business access to defense contracts.

Kansas’ Second District is home to Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Forbes Field.