Congressional Record — September 9, 2025

Overview of the day

The House of Representatives engaged in general debate and consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The proceedings included remarks from leadership and subcommittee chairs regarding acquisition reform, military personnel quality of life, and strategic competition with China.

Summary of the House proceedings

H.R. 3838 was considered to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, military construction, and defense activities of the Department of Energy.
H.R. 3838 is referred to as the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Act, or SPEED Act, and focuses on reforming the Department of Defense acquisition process.
H.R. 3838 provides for a 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers and authorizes nearly $3 billion for the construction of barracks, family housing, dining facilities, medical facilities, childcare centers, and schools.
H.R. 3838 authorizes over $22 billion in shipbuilding for submarines and surface vessels, $38 billion for next-generation fighters, $15 billion for munitions, and $142 billion for research and development of new technologies.
H.R. 3838 extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and funds the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative by $1 billion.
H.R. 3838 provides $7 billion for the F-35 program and over $800 million for E-7A aircraft.
H.R. 3838 authorizes an increase of $1 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program.
H.R. 3838 includes provisions for the Golden Dome system and the Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking program.
H.R. 3838 extends the Childcare in Your Home pilot program through 2029 and waives fees and copays for the TRICARE dental program for Selected Reserves.
H.R. 3838 had 298 amendments total, with 222 from Republicans and 76 from Democrats.

Summary of Senate proceedings

There was no Senate activity on this date.