Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced his support for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which he says brings significant security and economic benefits to Pennsylvania and the nation. In a statement released after voting in favor of the NDAA, McCormick said, “The NDAA is a decisive win for Pennsylvania and America. It includes critical provisions I introduced earlier this year to counter Chinese aggression, strengthen border security, support defense industrialization and shipbuilding, while also providing overdue pay raises and quality-of-life improvements for our service men and women. These provisions, along with investments authorized to strengthen Pennsylvania’s defense infrastructure and military support operations, reinforce Pennsylvania’s leadership in helping to ensure America’s military readiness and advanced defense capabilities. Most importantly, the bill fulfills the first responsibility of the Congress – protecting the American people.”
Among specific legislative items sponsored by McCormick that were included in the fiscal year 2026 NDAA are:
– The Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act: This measure directs U.S. representation at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to advocate for Taiwan’s admission if it seeks membership. It also promotes Taiwanese participation in IMF policy oversight, broadens employment opportunities for Taiwanese nationals at the IMF, and ensures access to technical assistance.
– A requirement for the U.S. Department of State to develop a strategy targeting transnational criminal organizations in Mexico by strengthening Mexico’s security forces and law enforcement.
– The PRC Financial Intermediary Act: Mandates an SEC study on transparency among broker-dealers controlled under Chinese law.
McCormick also supported other measures such as:
– The FIGHT China Act of 2025: Directs Treasury to prohibit certain investments deemed threats to national security.
– Legislation requiring a coordinated government strategy against cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
– The Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025: Expands benefits for public safety officers who develop certain cancers due to job-related exposures.
– The Protect Our Bases Act: Tightens reviews on foreign land purchases near sensitive U.S. sites.
The NDAA authorizes major funding increases for military installations across Pennsylvania:
– $91.5 million is allocated to Letterkenny Army Depot,
– $68 million goes to Tobyhanna Army Depot,
– $94.1 million is directed toward Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg,
– $90 million supports Defense Distribution Depot New Cumberland,
– $30 million funds New Castle Army Reserve Center,
– $13.4 million will be used at Harrisburg Air National Guard Base.
In line with McCormick’s “Day One” promises on border security, the NDAA declares a national emergency at the southern border and fully funds additional authorities for both Defense Department support of Homeland Security operations and deployment of troops along the southwest border. More than $1 billion is authorized for anti-drug trafficking efforts.
For military personnel nationwide, servicemembers will receive a 3.8% pay raise alongside expanded bonuses and special pays. Additional housing allowances are being studied amid rising rental costs; over $1.5 billion is approved for new barracks and family housing construction.
Other notable measures include expanded authority aimed at reviving domestic defense manufacturing capabilities; funding wage improvements for Navy shipbuilders; prohibitions on acquiring certain minerals from adversarial nations like China; extension of key production acts through September 2026; pilot programs exploring automation in naval shipbuilding; increased readiness funding; strategies eliminating reliance on China-made technology components within DoD supply chains; bans on federal acquisition of biotechnology from Chinese-controlled companies; expansion of Pacific Deterrence Initiative funding focused on new technologies like hypersonics or AI; continued investment into Indo-Pacific logistics capacity; full funding ($1 billion) for Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative—aimed at training and equipping Taiwan’s self-defense—and requirements expanding U.S.-led multilateral exercises with regional allies Australia, Japan, and Philippines.
