{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-passage-of-fy26-national-defense-authorization-act/", "Sen. Tim Scott Applauds Passage of FY26 National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate by a vote of 77-20.\n\n\u201cSouth Carolina is integral to our nation\u2019s defense and military readiness, and this year\u2019s NDAA ensures the state continues to play a leading role in supporting our military and its missions,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cI\u2019m pleased the Senate has passed my provisions in the NDAA that equip our servicemembers with the resources, training, and support necessary to execute their duties with excellence. As threats grow around the world, it is essential that we confront them with strength and resolve.\u201d\n\nThe FY26 NDAA authorizes nearly $915 billion in national defense funding, including about $879 billion for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and about $35 billion for national security programs at the Department of Energy. This significant investment reflects Congress\u2019 continued commitment to strengthening America\u2019s defense at home and abroad.\n\nTo ensure that those who wear the uniform receive well-earned compensation for their service and sacrifice, the legislation provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel. It also takes meaningful steps to enhance competition across the defense industrial base, driving innovation while reducing costs to taxpayers.\n\nTo maintain the United States\u2019 technological edge, this NDAA enhances the DOD\u2019s ability to adopt emerging technologies and streamlines the defense acquisition process, an effort designed to modernize the military more quickly and keep pace with evolving threats.\n\nSenator Scott successfully championed a key provision in the FY26 NDAA directing the DOD to develop a Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy. This provision requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with military department leadership, to create a detailed strategy to recruit, train, and retain top cyber talent. The strategy will assess current cyber capabilities, identify gaps, and establish key performance indicators to measure progress in recruiting, training, and retaining skilled cyber personnel across the military. It also encourages partnerships with universities, industry, and other federal agencies to enhance workforce development and ensure the military remains at the forefront of cyber defense.\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s following provisions that support South Carolina\u2019s military families and bolster the state\u2019s role in national security were also included and passed in the NDAA:\n\nExpansion of the Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation at Joint Base Charleston\n\nEnhances the training of nuclear-qualified personnel, supporting national security and maintaining South Carolina\u2019s leadership in workforce development for both military and civilian nuclear careers.\n\nThe Child Development Center at Fort Jackson\n\nProvides high-quality childcare for military families, allowing servicemembers to focus on their duties while ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and development of their children.\n\nDefense operations at the Savannah River Site (DOE/NNSA)\n\nSupports essential national security missions through environmental cleanup, nuclear security, workforce development, and infrastructure investments.\n\nAs chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Scott successfully advanced provisions found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"]], "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://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-passage-of-fy26-national-defense-authorization-act/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 3.7817400880157948, "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"}