U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) has announced the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), highlighting several measures that will benefit Fort Bragg and military families in North Carolina.
“As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I’m proud to deliver a defense authorization bill that puts our troops, their families, and our veterans first. This NDAA secures critical investments for our military, and North Carolina’s military community. The bill implements President Trump’s agenda, restores America’s commitment to Peace Through Strength, and ensures our Armed Forces remain the most lethal and capable in the world. From pay raises to readiness upgrades at Fort Bragg, this bill is a win for every soldier and family who sacrifices everything for our nation,” said Hudson.
The NDAA allocates $44.7 million for new training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg, $5.3 million for a Special Operations Forces Joint Intelligence Center, $19 million for an Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course, $24 million for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar, $80 million for power generation and microgrid projects, $6.5 million for a SOF Mission Command Center, and $7.5 million dedicated to advanced drone development in North Carolina.
Nationally, the act delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops and codifies 15 executive orders from former President Donald Trump focused on priorities such as lethality and merit-based promotion within the ranks. It also provides new Department of Defense authorities and funding to support border security operations alongside the Department of Homeland Security.
Additional provisions include funding key defense platforms like the Golden Dome system, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems; reforms to speed up Department of Defense acquisitions; strengthening of the defense industrial base; and investments targeting threats from China, Iran, North Korea through advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies.
Richard Hudson has represented North Carolina’s 9th district in Congress since 2013 after succeeding Larry Kissell (https://www.congress.gov/member/richard-hudson/H001067). Born in Franklin, Virginia in 1971, Hudson is currently 51 years old and resides in Southern Pines. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.
House Republicans state that these measures are part of ongoing efforts to implement what they call “President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda” by making long-term investments in national security.
