Senate Passes King-Backed Legislation Supporting Maine Economy and Strengthening National Security

October 10, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the bipartisanFiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a 77-20 vote. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), had previously worked with his colleagues to secure strong investments in Maine’s economy and America’s national defense. This legislation will support servicemembers and their families and boost the Maine economy through support for the hundreds of businesses that serve the military’s technological and manufacturing needs. Earlier this year, Senator King led the Senate Armed Services Committee in supporting bipartisan measures for the finalized legislation that passed out of committee.
The legislation includes several provisions that Senator King backed, including: support for servicemembers an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer for Bath Iron Works (BIW), a comprehensive new approach to monitoring brain health, aggressive policies to strengthen America’s cybersecurity, provisions to address the security threats posed by artificial intelligence, and measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. The bill will now be conferenced with the House of Representatives before heading to the President’s desk for signature.
“For over six decades, Congress has taken a bipartisan approach to ensure that America’s military and defense forces have the training and equipment to carry out their missions and protect our interests at home and abroad. This year, the Senate is continuing that tradition in passing a defense bill for the Department of Defense (DoD) that will make our nation safer and stronger,”said Senator King.“As our country faces some of its greatest challenges, the bill makes important investments in Maine people and businesses that are critical to the safety and security of our country.
“There are many important provisions in this legislation – including support for troops and their families, investment in Maine research, and needed oversight of the Department of Defense,”continued Senator King.“All told, this year’s defense bill will make our country safer, strengthen our economy, and support the men and women who fight for our freedoms.”
TheNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026includes King-backed provisions to:
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