Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), highlighting several provisions that he advocated for South Jersey and national security.
“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.”
Among the measures included in the NDAA is the PROTECT Our Children Act, which extends and enhances support for law enforcement agencies investigating online crimes against children. The Improving Police Critical Aid for Responding Emergencies (CARE) Act ensures that trauma kits bought with federal funds meet required standards to assist police during emergencies.
The legislation also allocates $68 million for a new maintenance hangar at Egg Harbor Township’s 177th Fighter Wing to support advanced fighter jets. Additionally, funding was secured for temporary bathrooms as part of an ongoing $425 million modernization project at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.