U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans from Idaho, have voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation is intended to strengthen the country’s military capabilities and national security while including several provisions relevant to Idaho.
Senator Crapo emphasized the importance of readiness against threats, stating, “The most critical component of the annual NDAA is ensuring our military is prepared to face off against and mitigate threats from our adversaries both at home and abroad. The Senate’s passage of this important legislation puts us one step closer to providing for the common defense.”
Senator Risch highlighted support for servicemembers as well as ongoing political disagreements: “This year’s NDAA ensures our military remains mission-ready, can protect and defend our nation, and provides servicemembers with a well-deserved pay raise – if only Democrats would end this government shutdown. This legislation prioritizes recruitment of the best candidates to defend America, keep the border secure, and strengthen our national security.”
The NDAA includes a number of measures secured by Crapo and Risch that are specifically targeted at Idaho interests. These include steps to increase U.S. nuclear energy leadership on an international scale—particularly in response to growing influence from China and Russia—and efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking across U.S. borders by targeting imports from China via Mexico.
Support for Idaho National Laboratory’s work on tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel development was also included in the bill. Additional provisions aim to give greater authority to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States when reviewing foreign land purchases near sensitive sites such as military bases or laboratories. The act also contains initiatives aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for new housing projects within Idaho, as well as improvements designed to enhance transparency and performance within Community Development Financial Institutions Fund programs.
Nationally, key elements of this year’s NDAA include a 3.8 percent pay raise for members of the armed forces; authorization for development of advanced missile defense systems; investments meant to expand naval capacity; removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies; prohibition on men participating in women’s sports at military academies; streamlining Pentagon innovation by amending or repealing over 100 outdated provisions; restoring munitions stockpiles; improving overall force readiness; and broadening recruitment efforts across all services.
