In Senate, Rosen Helps Pass Bipartisan National Defense Bill with Major Wins for Nevada

Senator Rosen Helped Write And Pass The Legislation To Provide A 3.8% Pay Raise for Troops, Deliver For Nevada’s National Security Installations, And Benefit Nevada Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, DC– Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced several major wins for servicemembers in Nevada that she helped secure by passing the bipartisan national defense bill in the Senate. The bipartisanNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026(FY26 NDAA) passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support and contains thirty provisions championed by Senator Rosen, including the core of herFORGOTTEN Veterans Act. This bill classifies the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) as contaminated from nuclear testing and toxic activities, requires the Defense Department to document servicemember exposures to radiation and toxins that happen stateside, and requires the Air Force to identify all those who served at classified locations within the NTTR since 1951 and establish a process for them to provide proof of having served there, so that they can finally have a basis to submitPACT Actclaims.
The Senate NDAA also authorizes several key military construction projects, including to support the readiness of the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno to receive C-130J aircraft to carry out their dangerous firefighting mission. Additionally, it includes Senator Rosen’s amendment to break down a key barrier for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) crews who conduct combat operations – such as Creech Air Force Base – to continue to be able to access critical mental health services through the VA once separated from the military. The NDAA also supports enlisted retention efforts through higher pay, provides a 3.8% pay raise for all troops, and does not authorize any funding for defense nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain.
“Standing up for the brave men and women who serve our nation and strengthening America’s national security are top priorities for me,”said Senator Rosen.“I’m proud to have helped craft and pass a strong, bipartisan defense bill that delivers for our servicemembers and enhances our military readiness. This legislation includes provisions I fought for to strengthen Nevada’s key national security installations, provide our servicemembers with a well-earned pay raise, and help remove barriers that have prevented veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range from getting benefits related to toxic and radiation exposure. I’ll always work across party lines to ensure our military has the resources it needs to keep America safe and to honor the sacrifices of those who wear the uniform.”
Rosen-led provisions in the FY26 NDAA include:
Rosen-backed provisions included in the FY26 Senate NDAA:
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