Sen. Cruz Secures and Advances Priorities for Texas in Annual Defense Package

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), advancing key national security provisions for Texas and securing critical wins for Texas military bases.
Sen. Cruz said,“I’m a firm believer in peace through strength, and a strong, well-equipped military is the most integral component of that strategy. I am proud to support this year’s Senate NDAA, which provides our servicemembers with the resources they need to defend our national security and ensure the continued success of Texas’s military bases.
“I was honored to author key provisions in this bill to advance our national security and promote Texas’s economic growth. These include maintaining B-1 bomber operations at Dyess Air Force Base through 2030, modernizing the Red River Army Depot, strengthening critical Coast Guard programs, and extending the deadline for international bridge permits along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders through 2035 to enhance trade, create jobs, and reduce congestion.
“I am proud of the accomplishments advanced in this bill for Texas, and I will remain committed to fighting for our brave servicemembers and military strength and readiness.”
The Senate-passed version of this year’s NDAA included provisions to bolster America’s national defense and support servicemembers around the world, including at military bases across Texas. It also included four provisions Sen. Cruz fought to secure.
Sen. Cruz Legislative Provisions:

FY 2026 NDAA Highlights:
Improves Servicemember Quality of Life:
Boosts Military Healthcare:
Secures the Southern Border:
Strengthens America’s Position Against the Chinese Communist Party:
Builds American Combat Power:
Expands DOD Tools for Burden-Sharing and Industrial Base Integration:
Accelerates Rebuilding of Arsenal of Democracy:
Expands Military Recruitment Surge:
Returns DOD to its Warfighting Mission:
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