Chairman Pfluger and Senator Hickenlooper Lead Charge for Service Academy Investment in Final NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors, and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling for a generational investment in the nation's Military Service Academies. The letter, signed by members of the West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, was addressed to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The members urge the Chairmen to include several provisions in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to equip future warfighters with the resources to defend our country. In the letter, the members advocated for a dedicated funding stream to the Military Service Academies, ensuring consistent and predictable investment in their infrastructure and mission readiness. They also call for strengthening the public-private investment relationship at the Academies by allowing superintendents to contract directly with affiliated nonprofit organizations on campus modernization projects, enabling Academies to use private philanthropic support alongside federal funding. "My experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy shaped who I am and how I serve today. That's why I'm committed to giving our Service Academies the resources, facilities, faculty, and training they need to develop the finest military leaders in the world. I'm proud to stand with Board of Visitors members from West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy in this effort. Our national defense starts with how well we prepare those who will lead it," said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11). “Colorado is proud to be the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the premier training institution for the next generation of Airmen and Guardian leaders,” said Hickenlooper. “Investing in these national assets is a no-brainer. It’s an investment in America’s security and future," said Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “I went to West Point, and I’ve seen firsthand what these academies demand of the young men and women we’re asking to lead our military,” said Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10). “We’re preparing them for a battlefield that is changing faster than ever, while too much of the infrastructure behind their training is aging and the process to modernize it is unnecessarily slow. These NDAA provisions give every service academy dedicated resources to upgrade its facilities and make it easier to put private dollars to work on campus instead of letting them sit behind federal red tape. If we expect our future officers to be ready for the next war, we need to make sure the academies training them are ready for it too.” “Our service academies are responsible for developing the next generation of American warfighters and leaders, and they deserve the resources and infrastructure necessary to meet that mission. We cannot expect our cadets and midshipmen to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow in facilities that fall behind today. These provisions are critical for helping to modernize our academies, accelerating critical construction projects, and ensuring they have the flexibility they need to make the investments necessary to produce the strongest military force in the world," said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13). "It is an honor to serve on the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy. I take this role seriously because we have an obligation to do more than just thank our Midshipmen – and all our service members and veterans – for their service. It is my duty and my privilege to fight for them in Congress, for their benefits, and for their protection. That is why I am proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to urge that all our Military Service Academies have the necessary resources they need in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. We must continue to invest in our next generation of service members so they can continue to serve our country with courage, integrity, and distinction," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MA). "As a Member of the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, it is critical that our service academies across the nation receive investments to modernize facilities. Our future Airmen and Guardians at USAFA deserve facilities that will help train them for the war-fighting environment, which is why we are calling on leadership to invest in cutting-edge enhancements to our academies,” said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05). “Our military service academies (MSAs) shape the next generation of American warfighters and military leaders – something I experienced firsthand during my time at the U.S. Naval Academy, where I learned the true meaning of service to one’s country. Investing in these academies means investing in the future defense of our nation. That’s why it’s essential we ensure MSAs have the resources, modern facilities, and programming they need to equip tomorrow’s heroes," said Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT). “Our Service Academies play a critical role in developing the next generation of military leaders, ensuring that our armed forces remain at the forefront of innovation and military capability,” said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). “That is why I have joined my fellow Board of Visitors members for our Academies to ensure that they have the funding and support they need to equip our future military officers with the skills needed to defend our country.” “Our military service academies instill discipline, build character, and prepare future military leaders to pursue excellence,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “We need to make sure they have the resources and tools they need to succeed and defend our country. I join my colleagues in requesting a generational investment in our military service academies to properly equip our cadets and midshipmen for today’s warfighting environment.” “Our service members sign on the dotted line to protect our safety and freedom, and they deserve the best resources and preparation in return,” said Senator Coons. “As a new member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors and the lead Senate Democrat for defense funding, I know our academies need significant investment in order to be prepared for the combat of the future. We have the best military in the world, and I’m committed to keeping it that way," said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). “The education provided to young Patriots at our United States Service Academies is invaluable, and must always be safeguarded and protected for the sake of our national security and armed forces. Representing West Point in Congress, sitting on the USMA Board of Visitors, and working on the Armed Services Committee keeps me connected to the vitality of these unique, essential institutions. I’m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators in fighting for the resources that every cadet and midshipman deserves,” said Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18). Read full text of the letter HERE .