Ronny Jackson

U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson celebrated the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (FY27 NDAA) on Wednesday, July 22.

The NDAA, which passed on a 216-212 vote, includes $1.15 trillion in military spending, and it now goes to the Senate. According to USA TODAY and Reuters, every year, the House and Senate each pass their own versions of the annual military spending bill and then negotiate a compromise before sending it to the president for his signature.

According to a release from Jackson's office, this year’s NDAA strengthens America's military, advances the quality of life of servicemembers, and delivers key national security provisions for Texas sites including the Sheppard Air Force Base, Bell Helicopter, the Pantex Plant, and the broader defense industrial base in Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District.

"I'm proud to support House passage of the FY27 NDAA," said Jackson, who is Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee. "This legislation bolsters our Special Operations Forces and intelligence community, revitalizes the Defense Industrial Base, and makes historic investments in the capabilities we need to maintain the edge over America’s adversaries. This year’s bill delivers on President Trump’s commitment to peace through strength by ensuring our warfighters have the resources, training, and technology necessary to confront the threats of today and tomorrow. Today’s passage is a major victory for our national security and for our men and women in uniform, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and Trump administration to swiftly get this important legislation signed into law.”

According to Jackson's office, the bill includes specific provisions that would benefit the Amarillo area:

Bell

Advances full development of the Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), authorizing $2.141 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation, along with $127.2 million for advance procurement of operational test aircraft.

Supports the incorporation of the Nacelle Improvement Program on 24 United States Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft.

Directs a V-22 Readiness and Modernization Report across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to outline investment plans, readiness improvements, mid-life upgrades, and accelerated nacelle modernization efforts for all V-22 variants.

Fully facilitates the Navy’s H-1 Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program to enhance the performance, survivability, and effectiveness of H-1 aircraft.

Pantex Plant

Section 3115 – Accelerates the timeline for completion of the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility at the Pantex Plant, moving the start of operations from 2034 to 2032.

Directs a briefing on options to enhance the security and operational flexibility of National Nuclear Security Administration activities at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, including potential relocation opportunities within the airport complex.

Authorizes an additional $20 million to accelerate development of the Material Staging Capability project at the Pantex Plant.

Organizes a briefing on the progress of the Pantex Material Staging Capability project, including its finalized conceptual design and initial cost estimates.

Texas Tech University's Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Amarillo

Authorizes $10 million to establish a Joint Neuroscience Demonstration Program focused on developing treatments for the long-term effects of brain injuries in servicemembers.

Kristina Wood is managing editor of the Amarillo Globe-News, whose coverage includes Amarillo and Canyon, and into the Texas Panhandle. Have a story idea? Send it in at [email protected] .