Baumgartner Applauds Passage of FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon the passage of the FY2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill. “Today’s passage of the Defense Appropriations Bill is about more than numbers on a page, it’s about standing with the men and women who wear the uniform,” said Congressman Michael Baumgartner . “This bill ensures our troops have safe barracks to sleep in, childcare for their families, and the pay raise they’ve earned through sacrifice and service. It invests in the tools they need to defend our country and come home safely. It strengthens our border, counters global threats, and protects taxpayer dollars. I was proud to support this bill because it honors our commitment to those who serve, and to the values they defend every day.” Background: The Defense Appropriations Bill funds the core activities, operations, and programs of the Department of Defense for a given fiscal year. Specifically, it provides funding for: Military personnel Operation and Maintenance Procurement Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Revolving and Management Funds Other Department of Defense Programs (Defense Health Program, Office of the Inspector General, etc.) Related Agencies (CIA Retirement and Disability System Fund, Intelligence Community Management Account) Some initiatives funded in this bill include: Reactive Alloy Munition for Enhanced Blast for Force Modernization Self-Leveling LiDAR Laser Scanners for Fairchild Air Force Base Multi-Role Space Superiority Satellite Vehicles for Space Dominance and Combat Power Solutions Rigid Wall Shelters built right here in Eastern Washington National Guard and Reserve Equipment built right here in Eastern Washington Breast Cancer Research Program