The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has taken a significant step forward, with Rep. Ronny Jackson securing crucial defense priorities for Texas’s 13th Congressional District. The legislation, which advanced out of the House Armed Services Committee with a strong 44-12 vote, is poised to bolster national defense and support America’s warfighters.

Rep. Jackson emphasized the importance of modernizing the military to counter rapidly evolving threats. The NDAA aims to strengthen and modernize national defense, revitalize the Defense Industrial Base, and invest in cutting-edge technologies. These efforts are designed to deter adversaries and ensure victory on future battlefields.

Key Investments for Amarillo

The NDAA includes several key investments for Amarillo, focusing on Bell Helicopter, the Pantex Plant, and texas tech University’s Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Amarillo.

Bell Helicopter Advancements

The legislation authorizes $2.141 billion for the full development of the Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). This funding will support research, development, testing, and evaluation, along with $127.2 million for advance procurement of operational test aircraft. Additionally, the NDAA supports the incorporation of the Nacelle Improvement Program on 24 United States Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft and directs a V-22 Readiness and Modernization Report across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The Navy’s H-1 Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program is also fully facilitated, enhancing the performance, survivability, and effectiveness of H-1 aircraft.

Pantex Plant Enhancements

Section 3115 of the NDAA accelerates the timeline for completing the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility at the Pantex Plant, moving the start of operations from 2034 to 2032. The legislation also 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.

An additional $20 million is authorized to accelerate the development of the Material Staging Capability project at the Pantex Plant. The NDAA also organizes a briefing on the progress of this project, including its finalized conceptual design and initial cost estimates.

TTUHSC Amarillo Initiatives

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

Support for Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base

The NDAA includes several provisions to support Wichita Falls and Sheppard Air Force Base, addressing critical training workforce shortages and modernizing technical training.

Section 1107 grants the Secretary of War direct hiring authority and competitive pay flexibility to recruit and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors. The legislation also supports expedited procurement of the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer aircraft and supports Air Force Technical Training Modernization through the development of a comprehensive strategy to modernize training for various career fields.

The NDAA directs an assessment from the Secretary of the Air Force on the benefits of incorporating large rotational student populations at installations like Sheppard Air Force Base into manpower authorizations to improve essential support services and force readiness.

Investments in Special Operations Forces

The legislation authorizes an additional $1.3 billion for U.S. Special Operations Command to address critical modernization priorities and future battlefield requirements, including funding for 10 additional OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft.

Section 1072 directs the Department of War to establish leadership and a long-term strategy for countering ubiquitous technical surveillance, including a plan for a program of record, to strengthen secure communications and develop digital protection capabilities across the force. The NDAA also places the Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory under the strategic oversight of the Irregular Warfare Center to ensure alignment of Department-wide irregular warfare objectives.

The legislation examines the feasibility of providing anonymous telehealth-based counseling services for special operations personnel to increase access to mental health and wellness support and directs a briefing on the operations, activities, and long-term strategic direction of the Irregular Warfare Center.