Blumenthal Advances National Defense Authorization Bill, Secures Wins for Connecticut

The bill provides $925 billion in funding for national defense; Blumenthal secures funding for Virginia, Columbia class submarines, dozens of new helicopters, sustained support for Ukraine
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, applauded the Committee’s approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. Blumenthal championed a number of provisions in the NDAA that promote U.S. national security objectives and bolster Connecticut’s defense industrial base and its workforce, all while improving support for servicemembers across the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 26-1 and has now moved to the full Senate for consideration.
“This defense authorization bill recognizes Connecticut for its instrumental role as an arsenal of our democracy, and I am proud to have advanced this bill bolstering our defense capabilities. It invests in advanced technologies and the talented workforce committed to building them while also providing increased support for the brave servicemen and women defending our country. As foreign adversaries increasingly target our nation’s influence and security interests, this bill ensures our military is equipped to protect Americans and safeguard our freedoms and democracy,”said Blumenthal.
As a member of the Committee tasked with crafting the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026, Blumenthal successfully advocated for the inclusion of several provisions that promote our national security interests and defense goals while also investing in Connecticut-based manufacturers and suppliers of vital national security assets, including:
Supporting the Connecticut Defense Industrial Base:Blumenthal championed provisions that bolster Connecticut’s submarine and aircraft industries, sustaining these key businesses whose products uphold a vital segment of Connecticut’s economy and provide the nation with an asymmetric advantage. Blumenthal delivered provisions that:
Redoubling Support to Key Partners and Allies:In upholding agreements to help our nation’s allies defend against unwarranted aggression and terror, Blumenthal delivered provisions that:
Supporting Servicemembers and their Families:In recognition of the sacrifice of both servicemembers and their families and their essential contributions to our nation’ safety and security, Blumenthal championed provisions that:
Building the Force of the Future:Blumenthal fought for provisions that promote innovation and modernize key technologies in our nation’s arsenal of defense. Such provisions:
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