Little Apple Times

Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann voted in favor of H.R. 4016, the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act. The bill allocates funds for the Department of Defense for the upcoming fiscal year and aligns with President Trump's strategy of peace through strength while enhancing the quality of life for U.S. service members.

Rep. Mann expressed his support by stating, “Every hour of every day, service members across the globe put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.” He emphasized the importance of investing in military readiness and defense capabilities to respond to threats effectively. Mann added, "I proudly voted to advance the defense appropriations bill, which supports our troops, bolsters our border security, and gives President Trump the tools he needs to advance American peace through strength."

Key components of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act include a 3.8% pay increase for military personnel starting January 1, 2026, measures to improve service members' quality of life by reducing permanent change of station moves saving over $662 million, and enhanced cooperation with DOGE at the Pentagon.

The act also earmarks $1.5 billion for counter-drug programs and increases funding for National Guard Counterdrug initiatives. It prohibits spending on abortion-related travel, drag shows, COVID vaccine mandates, and mask mandates while providing resources for Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs.