HYDE-SMITH VOTES TO ADVANCE 2026 DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Thursday supported committee passage of the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill that supports President Trump’s goal of systematically rebuilding the nation’s ability to achieve peace through strength, a goal that will involve national security activities conducted in Mississippi.
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee that voted 26-3 to move the defense spending measure to the Senate floor. The bill increases funding for U.S. Department of Defense activities, supports service members and their families, and builds up the defense industrial base.
“Our national defense is our primary responsibility and this legislation represents a refocusing of our national security on new threats and military tactics that could put us and our interests in peril. Adjusting to these new realities will require a sustained, years-long investment,” Hyde-Smith said.
“A lot of dynamic and exciting work is being conducted in Mississippi to support our national security interests, from drone and AI technologies to composite systems. I appreciate the committee’s support by approving funding for this work by industries and our universities, and remain proud to support funding that bolsters this defense ecosystem and ensures Mississippi remains a leader in meeting our national security needs,” the Senator added.
The following are among the highlights in the Senate’s FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill:
Shipbuilding: $29.3 billion, an $8.7 billion increase, which includes an additional $1.3 billion for a third DDG-51 destroyer, $450 million in large surface combatant infrastructure investments, $1.9 billion to fully fund Virginia-class submarines, an additional $1.3 billion for Columbia-class submarines, and $2.7 billion for the submarine maritime industrial base, which is critical to maintaining U.S. maritime advantage. The bill also includes increased funding for Special Operations vessels built on the Gulf Coast.
Research, Development, and Innovation: Mississippi is at the forefront of innovation and national security, with its universities and companies playing a pivotal role in research and development for the Department of Defense. From the shipyards of the Gulf Coast to advanced research facilities in North Mississippi, the Magnolia State is at the forefront of cutting-edge defense innovation. The bill includes funding to support research and development activities conducted at the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University.
Taking Care of Service Members and their Families: $193.1 billion for the pay and benefits of service members and families, which fully funds both the 3.8 percent pay raise for all service members and the 10 percent additional pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers. The bill also provides $24 million for the United Service Organization, to continue the great work it does across the world.
National Guard: $350 million for the National Guard and Reserve modernization fund to address capability gaps and equipment shortfalls and $27.5 million for the state partnership program. The bill also provides an increase for Armed Forces Trauma training to enable guardsmen and women to be ready at a moment’s notice. The measure also provides funding for Multi-Domain Operation training for guardsmen and women so they can train like they fight.
National Guard Counter-Drug School: $10 million for National Guard Counter-Drug School activities. Mississippi has one of the five National Guard Counter Drug Schoolhouses.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has now approved eight of 12 annual spending bills for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
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