ICYMI: Congressman Pat Harrigan Pens Op-ed on 17 NDAA Wins that Strengthen America’s Military

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a new op-ed for RealClearDefense, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) details how he secured 17 amendments in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act to close security gaps, modernize U.S. military capabilities, and strengthen support for servicemembers. From banning Chinese Communist Party–controlled companies from operating on U.S. bases to accelerating domestic drone production and advancing nuclear energy security, he lays out a clear blueprint for restoring America’s military strength.

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Seventeen Amendments That Strengthen U.S. Defense

When it comes to national security, the decisions made in Washington too often feel distant—abstract debates over budgets and policies with little connection to everyday life. But the truth is, the strength of our military directly affects the safety of your family, the stability of our economy, and the world we leave to our children. Much of that strength is shaped through the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual bill crafted and debated in the House Armed Services Committee that sets priorities and funding for America’s military.

This year, I made sure North Carolina had a strong hand in driving those decisions. During the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, I introduced 18 amendments to address critical gaps and emerging threats. 17 of those amendments were adopted—a strong result that translates into real improvements for our servicemembers and our country.

First, I focused on closing glaring vulnerabilities within our own defense infrastructure. One of my amendments prohibits Chinese Communist Party–controlled companies from operating long-term retail contracts on U.S. military bases—a practice that poses a direct threat to readiness and security. While this may sound like common sense, many Americans are shocked to learn that GNC, a popular supplement retailer wholly owned by the CCP, still operates dozens of stores on our military installations. Another requires the Pentagon to expand its list of restricted Chinese state-owned enterprises operating overseas. I also secured language mandating the development of a plan to phase out Chinese-made pharmaceutical ingredients from military medical supplies. These steps close dangerous gaps that our adversaries have exploited for far too long.

Beyond eliminating risks, my amendments work to modernize how the military equips and supports its forces. One of my amendments directs the Department of Defense to implement artificial intelligence tools to streamline the approval process for military construction projects—reducing delays, cutting costs, and delivering infrastructure faster. Another secured $18 million to accelerate the development of precision glide munitions—affordable, long-range weapons that provide our troops with greater tactical options on the battlefield.

Nowhere is that modernization more urgent than in drone warfare. To keep America ahead, I introduced my SkyFoundry amendment, which establishes a working group to expand domestic drone production and create a national innovation center focused on small, unmanned aircraft systems. Complementing this, another one of my amendments requires the Army to evaluate integrating counter-drone defense training into basic training, ensuring soldiers arrive ready to meet emerging aerial threats from day one.

Resilience also extends to energy security, especially as cyber threats grow. I passed an amendment directing a feasibility study on co-locating Small Modular Nuclear Reactors with data centers on military bases, enhancing resilience against outages and attacks. I also included language to formally incorporate these advanced reactors into the Department of Defense’s long-term nuclear energy strategy.

No military is stronger than the people who serve it, and that strength depends on taking care of our servicemembers both on and off the battlefield. One of my amendments requires the Department of Defense to evaluate anonymous telehealth platforms to expand access to confidential and rapid mental health care. Another restricts the Pentagon from reinstating the COVID-19 vaccine mandate without explicit congressional approval. I also mandated a comprehensive review of smokeless gunpowder supply chains, reducing dangerous dependence on foreign sources vital to ammunition manufacturing.

And none of this matters without accountability and oversight. One of my amendments requires the Army to brief Congress on audit readiness and the adoption of alternative financial verification tools. Another calls for a full review of U.S. posture in West Africa and the Sahel to counter the expanding presence of Russian mercenaries and terrorist networks. I also introduced language demanding a detailed report on the Army’s digital fire control system for its next-generation squad weapon, ensuring Congress maintains oversight of critical modernization efforts.

These 17 amendments reflect targeted, practical reforms that restore American military strength and protect the men and women who defend us every day.

The NDAA now moves to the full House for a vote, and I will fight relentlessly to ensure these provisions become law. Our servicemembers deserve a military fully prepared to meet today’s challenges and secure peace for tomorrow.