Opening Statements

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pat Fallon (R-TX), Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks on the Military Personnel Print at the full committee markup of the FY26 NDAA. 

Rep. Fallon's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

This year's Military Personnel mark builds on an outstanding year for our military and ensures our servicemembers are a lethal and ready force capable of confronting threats from INDOPACOM to the Middle East.

As our men and women in uniform are our priority; this mark supports a 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers. It also extends special pay authorities, in particular for the growing Space Force, to attract and retain the best talent in some of the most critical career fields.

In the last year, recruitment and retention soared; as a result, we are able to give services the end strength increases they need.

But, not to rest on a great year for recruiting, we are expanding access for military recruiters at secondary schools and other institutes of higher learning.

Additionally, we are enhancing the subcommittee’s oversight of the Military Health System and remain committed to addressing the persistent shortage of childcare for our servicemembers through expansions of childcare pilot programs. 

Finally, this mark continues to deliver on our long-term goals of increasing servicemembers' Quality of Life...And for that I would like to acknowledge the committee staff who have worked relentlessly and in a bi-partisan manner to develop the Military Personnel Mark.

Thank you.