{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2025/12/11/higgins-secures-louisiana-wins-in-national-defense-authorization-act/", "Higgins Secures Louisiana Wins in National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the passage of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA codifies our commitment to our Armed Forces and Louisiana. By modernizing our weapons systems and streamlining the Department of War\u2019s (DoW) acquisition process, we are solidifying the American military\u2019s position as the most lethal fighting force on the planet,\u201d said Congressman Higgins. \u201cThis legislation strengthens our defense industry businesses and supports our military bases. I worked closely with my colleagues in committee and on the House floor to secure provisions that build on our budget reconciliation bill and protect Louisiana\u2019s interests. We were quite successful in that endeavor, and the final NDAA text reflects many of our priorities.\u201d\n\nThroughout the course of the year, Congressman Higgins helped secure these provisions in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act that will directly benefit Louisiana:\n\nEnsuring that the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Southern Command report on the requirements needed for the rapid fielding of multi-mission small-unmanned surface vessels.\n\nAuthorization for a DoW-led pilot program partnering with regional universities and medical centers to support surge medical capacity.\n\n$50.72 million for the procurement of 40-foot patrol boats.\n\n$320 million for the Ship-to-Shore Connector program.\n\n$140 million for the Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Messing (YRBM) barges. The NDAA also gives the U.S. Navy multiyear procurement authority for the YRBM program to facilitate and maintain an accelerated schedule.\n\nRequiring that all F/A-18E aircraft procured by the DoW in FY2022 and FY2023 be delivered to the Navy Reserve to support our nation\u2019s deployable strike fighter capability at Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans.\n\nRequiring a report from the U.S. Navy on efforts to transition separating Navy personnel to the dredging industry.\n\nUrging the Department of Defense to prioritize investment in domestic hydrazine production enhancements, including facility improvements.\n\n$32 million for the acceleration of the production of modern dump trucks for the U.S. Army, replacing outdated vehicles.\n\n$80 million for the Platform Supply Vessel pilot program for U.S. Navy Pacific logistics.\n\nRequiring the DoW to examine ways to promote cost savings on building resiliency projects including traditional and modular protective buildings.\n\n$18 million for a Weapons Generation Facility dormitory at Barksdale Air Force Base.\n\n$2.2 million for the design of a new Child Development Center at Barksdale Air Force Base.\n\nEstablishing Air Force Global Strike Command as an Air Force Major Command, solidifying Barksdale Air Force Base as a national leader.\n\nCongressman Higgins also worked with his colleagues to align this year\u2019s NDAA with President Trump\u2019s agenda, securing the following conservative victories:", 1, "2026-03-31T05:33:41Z", "2026-03-31T05:34:51Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2025/12/11/higgins-secures-louisiana-wins-in-national-defense-authorization-act/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7560010999441147, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}