U.S. Sen. Moreno joins colleague Husted, votes to spend over $72 million on military

U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, joined U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, in supporting the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, a defense policy bill that would give more than $72 million to the U.S. military.

The Senate passed the NDAA this week, according to a press release from Moreno. The bill that authorizes funding and strategic directives for the U.S. Department of Defense is now headed to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature.

Moreno said it is critical to strengthen America’s military posture amid global challenges, highlighting the defense package’s investments to improve Ohio’s defense installations, create jobs, and advance capabilities.

“Our foreign adversaries are on the move, and this year’s NDAA reasserts American peace through strength,” he said. “I was proud to vote to strengthen America’s military, deliver the necessary tools for our warfighters, and bolster Ohio’s defense innovation while creating high-paying jobs across the state.”

Among Moreno’s secured provisions are key allocations for Ohio’s military infrastructure, including $45 million to enhance human warfighter capabilities in areas like training and bioengineering at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, $15 million for runway design improvements at the same base, $8 million for a small-arms range at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, and $4.7 million for Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.

In his press release, Husted also noted that the bill will support Ohio’s longstanding contributions to U.S. defense, stating that he outlined $60 million in NDAA earmarks for Ohio military installations, workforce growth, and enhanced readiness.

“Ohio makes the things that keep America safe,” he said. “From Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton and NASA Glenn in Cleveland to the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky and the new Anduril facility at the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Installation, this bill supports and creates Ohio jobs and further strengthens the leadership role our state plays in national defense.”

The lawmakers also noted the NDAA’s provision for a 3.8% pay raise for active-duty personnel, ensuring service members’ salaries keep pace with inflation, and acknowledged the sacrifices they and their families make.

“Ohioans can always count on me to put Ohio first and stand fully behind our troops. Peace is preserved through strength, and this bill keeps America in a position to deter our adversaries. I will always fight to make sure our servicemembers have the tools they need to succeed and return home safely,” Husted wrote.