Hirono Secures Key Priorities for Hawaii in Committee Markup of Annual Defense Bill, Condemns GOP Politicization of Military Policy

~ Sen. Hirono’s provisions invest in DOD’s critical infrastructure needs in Hawaii, the U.S., and the Pacific region ~
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, secured several key priorities for Hawaii and the U.S. Military during the Committee’s markup of theFiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),released earlier today.
“I am proud to have secured critical investments in infrastructure projects in the state, throughout the country, and across the Indo-Pacific region, as well as additional funding to continue the safe and expeditious closure of the Red Hill Fuel Facility, and prioritization of the DOD workforce,”said Senator Hirono.“Military Readiness and support for our servicemembers are crucial to national security, and my provisions investing over $1.1 billion for military construction projects in Hawaii, increasing pay for military servicemembers and DOD civilian employees, and securing an additional $20 million to support sustainability and military resilience, will help strengthen our force. It’s disappointing Republicans chose to insert partisan provisions that would undermine national security just to advance their far-right agenda, but I will continue working with my colleagues to reject this politicization of military policy and hold this administration accountable.”
As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Hirono has made modernizing DOD infrastructure in Hawaii and across the country a top priority. The NDAA markup includes numerous provisions secured by Senator Hirono focused on infrastructure; delivering for communities in Hawaii; supporting servicemembers and their families; strengthening DOD’s capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region; and prioritizing sustainability within the DOD.
Specifically, the bill includes provisions that:
Delivers for Hawaii:
Invests in Critical Infrastructure:
Supports People:
Strengthens Our Ability to Protect the Indo-Pacific Region:
Prioritizes Sustainability and the Environment:
Holds this Administration Accountable:
Committee approval is the first step in the process to establish defense funding levels and set policies for the DOD. The bill will next be debated and voted on by the full Senate. Once both the Senate and House pass their versions of the NDAA, they must be reconciled by a bicameral conference committee, and then approved by each chamber before a final version is sent to the President to be signed into law.
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