Opening Statements

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) delivered the following opening statement at the Full Committee Markup of the Chairman's Mark of H.R. 8800, the FY27 NDAA.

Chairman Rogers' Statement as Prepared for Delivery:

Throughout our budget hearings this year, we’ve heard a consistent theme: the defense industrial base – the foundation of our military power – is in trouble.  

Over the last 30 years, the defense industrial base has atrophied significantly. 

We are no longer capable of manufacturing for our warfighters at scale or speed. 

In the 1990s, America had 51 prime defense contractors. 

Today, only six remain.

Our global munitions stockpiles are low, and we no longer have the surge capacity to rapidly replenish them. 

We also have fragile supply chains that make us reliant on our adversaries. 

We have very little industrial capacity to mine, refine, or process critical minerals, making us dependent on other countries – including our adversaries – for access to them.

Our skilled workforce has shrunk, further reducing our production capacity.

And we’ve fallen dangerously behind when it comes to shipbuilding and maritime readiness. 

So when it comes to revitalizing our industrial base, the choice is clear.

We can act now, or we can allow our deterrence to erode, undermining our national security, and failing the men and women in uniform who so bravely serve our country. 

The good news is that these are not problems beyond our ability to solve—but they do require action.

In the FY27 NDAA, we are taking that action. 

We’re revitalizing the defense industrial base and rebuilding our capacity to produce the capabilities our military needs.  

We’re breaking down the barriers that prevent small and agile businesses from working with the Pentagon.  

We’re creating new jobs and helping Americans build advanced technical skills. 

And we’re giving industry the certainty it needs to invest, expand, and produce faster.

In addition to revitalizing the defense industrial base, the NDAA meets other crucial needs. 

We are raising pay for servicemembers and improving housing, education, and childcare for military families. 

We’re strengthening our nuclear deterrence and missile defense, while maintaining a strong posture to deter adversaries. 

And we’re prioritizing the development of innovative technologies that will give our warfighters the edge today and in future conflicts. 

To support these policies, we’re authorizing $1.15 trillion in discretionary funds to match President Trump’s historic budget request. 

For the first time in 40 years, we’ve been presented a budget that accounts for the true cost of American deterrence.   

This topline begins to reverse the damage caused by decades of underinvestment in the U.S. military.

With this historic investment comes an even more urgent need to guard against waste, fraud, and abuse.  

The bill does so by standing up a new audit task force and providing the resources necessary for the Pentagon to achieve a full and clean audit in the next two years. 

Peace through strength doesn't begin on the battlefield—it begins in our factories, depots, and shipyards.

And this bill reflects our commitment to that cause. 

I want to commend Ranking Member Smith and the staff for continuing our tradition of putting this bill together in a strong bipartisan manner.

I also want to thank all the members for their input and assistance.

There are more than 900 amendments for us to work through today. 

So I urge my colleagues to work together to get through this process in a timely manner.
 
There will be disagreements.
 
But we all have the same goal - to support the men and women who serve our nation. 

If we can keep that goal in mind, I’m optimistic that the bill we report today will enjoy strong bipartisan support.