The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with Congressman Frank D. Lucas voting in favor of the measure. The bill, which passed by a vote of 231-196, now moves to the Senate for consideration.
“Today, for the 65th consecutive year, Congress came together to fulfill the paramount duty of supporting America’s warfighters, bolstering military installations, and improving America’s military readiness,” said Congressman Frank D. Lucas. “Not only does this legislation deliver on President Trump’s promise to restore America’s military standing, but it also includes critical funding for Oklahoma’s Third District.”
The NDAA contains several provisions relevant to Oklahoma’s military facilities and personnel. It builds on previous legislation to improve quality of life for servicemembers by supporting a 3.8% pay raise and expanding bonuses and special pay. The act prohibits closure of the E-7A Wedgetail production line at Tinker Air Force Base, ensuring continued airborne surveillance capabilities.
Additionally, the legislation increases the minimum number of air refueling aircraft in the Department of War’s inventory to support training at Altus Air Force Base and worldwide refueling operations. It also funds procurement of 14 T-7A aircraft aimed at modernizing flight training at bases such as Vance Air Force Base.
Support continues for development and procurement of the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft, enhancing armed overwatch missions for the 137th Special Operations Wing at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base.
Frank Lucas has represented Oklahoma’s 3rd district in Congress since 1994 after succeeding Glenn English (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/L000491). He previously served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1984 to 1988 (https://okhouse.gov/Members/District.aspx?District=3). Born in Cheyenne, Oklahoma in 1960, Lucas is an alumnus of Oklahoma State University–Stillwater (https://www.okstate.edu/).
