Congressman Juan Ciscomani has announced that several priorities for Southeastern Arizona are included in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was recently passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation outlines defense spending and sets policies for the U.S. military.
Ciscomani represents Davis–Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca Army installation, both key military sites in Arizona’s 6th district. He stated, “Congress has a duty to ensure our military has the resources, capabilities, and support needed to keep Americans safe, and this year’s defense bill delivers. This year’s NDAA secures several major wins for our district — including critical language for the Electronic Proving Ground (EPG), strengthened Unmanned Surface Vessel capabilities, prioritization of Space Domain Awareness capabilities which Arizona is well positioned to support, progress on moving historical assets from the Boneyard for commemoration, and a key Tucson Airport land acquisition with Davis-Monthan. These provisions directly reinforce the missions at Davis–Monthan and Fort Huachuca and strengthen our region’s role in our national defense. This year’s NDAA also provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, strengthens U.S. defense manufacturing jobs, fully funds key tools to support border security efforts.”
The FY2026 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending. It includes a 3.8% pay increase for all servicemembers and improvements in housing, education, and childcare access for military families.
One provision protects the Electronic Proving Ground at Fort Huachuca by requiring oversight before any changes are made to its mission or operations. Another allows five surplus T-37B training aircraft to be transferred from storage to the Arizona Aviation Historical Group.
The bill calls on the Department of Defense to expand partnerships with universities on Space Domain Awareness projects—potentially increasing Arizona institutions’ involvement with Space Force activities. It also approves a land acquisition near Tucson Airport involving Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
For naval innovation, there is funding to accelerate development of electronic warfare systems for unmanned surface vessels. The Pentagon is directed to establish a multi-domain testing network across western states; this could bring operational testing opportunities and economic benefits to Arizona bases.
The NDAA extends U.S.–Israel security cooperation through joint programs focused on technology partnerships and counter-threat initiatives.
Juan Ciscomani currently serves as representative of Arizona’s 6th district in Congress after winning elections against Kirsten Engel in both 2022 and 2024. He replaced Ann Kirkpatrick as representative in 2023.
