Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY27 NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of committee last night by a vote of 44-12. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs. "The National Defense Authorization Act is the most bi-partisan legislation passed on an annual basis by Congress. It strengthens our commitment to ensuring that the United States maintains the most capable and advanced military in the world. My package of amendments strengthens U.S. military readiness, preserves critical combat capabilities, modernizes key munitions and logistics systems, enhances combat casualty care, incorporates lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, and expands cooperation with allies and partners. I am pleased with the work that has gone into crafting this legislation and I thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership," said Rep. Scott. "Congressman Austin Scott continues to be a champion for the people of Georgia's Eighth District. Because of his hard work, I am pleased to report that 50 of his amendments were adopted today during the House Armed Services Committee's markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA. His leadership and commitment to our nation’s defense were evident in every provision he advanced," said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) In addition to the 50 amendments adopted at the HASC markup of the FY27 NDAA, Rep. Scott had another 15 provisions that were included last month in the base text of the bill and accompanying report. Some of the amendments adopted at markup include: MQ-9 Reaper Retirement Prohibition Prohibits the retirement, divestment, transfer, storage, or preparation for retirement of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. F-22 Raptor Retirement Prohibition Extension Extends the prohibition on retirement of F-22 aircraft through September 30, 2032. Fighter Force Structure Preservation Extends minimum fighter aircraft inventory requirements through October 1, 2035, and authorizes the Air Force to purchase F-15EX aircraft beyond the current program of record. EA-18G Growler Preservation Extends statutory protections against retirement, divestment, or sustainment reductions for EA-18G aircraft through September 30, 2032. C-17 Production Restart Assessment Directs the United States Air Force to assess the feasibility, cost, schedule, and alternatives associated with restarting C-17 production. Joint Trauma System Codification Permanently codifies the Joint Trauma System and requires Combatant Commands to maintain Combatant Command Trauma Systems. National Intelligence College Adds the National Intelligence College to the statutory list of institutions comprising the National Defense University. Career Intermission Program Expansion Allows servicemembers with existing service obligations to participate in the Career Intermission Program and reduces the minimum participation period to one month. Aviation Retention Authorities Encourages maximum aviation incentive pay after eight years of service and expands retention authorities through shorter commitments, higher bonuses, and greater assignment flexibility. National Guard Counterdrug Equipment Threshold Raises the procurement threshold for National Guard counterdrug equipment purchases from $15,000 to $25,000. Advanced Military Prosthetics Industrial Base Strategy Requires the development of a strategy to strengthen domestic production of advanced military prosthetic technologies critical to wounded servicemember recovery. Therapeutic Nutrition and Humanitarian Logistics Requires an assessment of how existing military humanitarian logistics authorities can support delivery of therapeutic nutrition commodities, food assistance, and medical supplies during humanitarian crises. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Unfunded Priorities Authorizes the Director of DPAA to submit an annual unfunded priorities list to Congress. Fort Shughart-Gordon Designates Fort Gordon, in Georgia, to Fort Shughart-Gordon to honor Medal of Honor recipients Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart. Military Working Dog Recognition Program Establishes a Department of Defense recognition program for military working dogs demonstrating exceptional service. ###