Kiggans Highlights Key Wins for Hampton Roads, Military Families in FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

Kiggans Highlights Key Wins for Hampton Roads, Military Families in FY27 National Defense Authorization Act June 05, 2026 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee completed its mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) . The legislation includes provisions to bolster shipbuilding, strengthen military readiness, improve healthcare access for servicemembers and their families, and support the workforce that powers America’s defense industrial base. The House NDAA authorizes over $1.1 trillion in national defense funding, including a 7% pay raise for servicemembers, $12.5 billion for Virginia-class submarines, and over $26 billion for authorized military construction (MILCON), including $2.1 billion for housing and childcare. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “This year’s NDAA makes the critical reforms needed to restore defense manufacturing and strengthen deterrence, while also prioritizing quality of life for our men and women in uniform. From increasing U.S. production capacity and securing our defense supply chain to expanding access to housing and healthcare for military families, I’m proud to have advanced priorities that strengthen both our national security and the Hampton Roads community.” “Congresswoman Kiggans has been an advocate for our servicemembers in the FY27 NDAA, raising pay by 7% and helping to improve military families’ quality of life. She understands how vital it is to reverse years of under-funding our national defense, and she’s been a leader in the charge to rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom. Revitalizing our shipbuilding industry is central to this legislation, and her work will help grow Virginia’s skilled technical workforce and power America’s return to maritime dominance,” said Chairman Mike Rogers of the House Armed Services Committee . The FY27 NDAA includes several amendments and base text provisions led by Congresswoman Kiggans, including a directive for the Department of Defense to conduct comprehensive studies on the long-term neurological effects of military aviation, as outlined in her Warrior Impact from Neurological and G-Force Stress (WINGS) Act . The bill also advances her initiatives to provide multi-year procurement authority for the F-35C, improve TRICARE transparency and restore pharmacy choice for beneficiaries, and strengthen workforce development programs and industrial capacity critical to expanding America’s shipbuilding capabilities and sustaining the defense industrial base. Key wins led or supported by Rep. Kiggans in the FY27 NDAA include: Quality of Life for Servicemembers and Families: Supports a 7% pay raise for our men and women in uniform Directs a study on long-term brain injury risks from carrier aviation $204.4 billion for improvements in pay, allowances, and military benefits Establishes a pilot program for primary-care management at remote military medical facilities Expands access to childcare via private sector partnerships Shipbuilding and Maritime Industrial Base Secures $15.1 billion for Columbia-class submarines and $12.5 billion for Virginia-class submarines, supporting Hampton Roads’ shipbuilding workforce. Invests $8.5 billion in the carrier enterprise and $6.4 billion in amphibious ships, strengthening Virginia’s role in Navy readiness. Provides $3.5 billion for DDG-51 destroyers and $3.9 billion for a new submarine tender, creating long-term opportunities for Virginia’s maritime industrial base. Military Recruitment, Retention and Pathways Expands access to child care, military spouse employment opportunities, and enhanced housing oversight and protections. Strengthens military health care benefits by expanding dental care access, improving TRICARE enrollment flexibility, and supporting programs for deployed parents and families. Advances initiatives supporting servicemember readiness and well-being, including improved barracks oversight, increased family housing investments, and enhanced support for military families stationed in Hampton Roads and across the nation. Fleet Modernization and Infrastructure Supports $8.5 billion for carrier modernization and refueling, ensuring the Navy can maintain a ready and capable fleet for decades to come. Helps secure funding for next-generation platforms, including $1.4 billion for the Constellation-class frigate and $3.9 billion for the Navy’s first new submarine tender program in decades. Invests in unmanned and autonomous systems, including a $1 billion Defense Autonomous Warfare Group initiative headquartered at JEB Little Creek-Dam Neck, strengthening Hampton Roads’ role in the future of naval warfare.