House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) addressed the House Floor today in support of H.R. 3838, known as the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 SPEED and NDAA).
Rogers explained that the bill’s short title, the SPEED Act, was chosen to highlight significant reforms to the Department of Defense’s acquisition process. He criticized the current system, stating, “The Pentagon’s current acquisition process is failing our warfighters. It can take 10 years between identifying a need and delivering the capability to the warfighter. By that time, the threat has changed, the costs have ballooned, and the solution is outdated.”
He emphasized that the SPEED Act aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve efficiency. “The SPEED Act will cut through layers of red tape and deliver for the warfighter at speed and scale. It accelerates the requirements process from nearly three years to as few as 90 days. It streamlines bureaucracy,” Rogers said.
According to Rogers, the legislation also seeks to encourage innovation by prioritizing commercial solutions and easing entry barriers for new technologies. He added, “It modernizes outdated and overly burdensome regulations that slow delivery and inflate costs. And, most importantly, it drives much-needed cultural change.”
Rogers highlighted cooperation with executive leadership on these reforms: “We worked closely with the administration on this effort, and I’m pleased they support it.”
Beyond procurement reform, Rogers outlined provisions intended to improve servicemember welfare. The FY26 NDAA supports a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers—an initiative backed by former President Trump—and authorizes nearly $3 billion for construction projects including barracks, family housing, medical facilities, childcare centers, dining facilities, and schools. The bill also seeks to prevent reductions in healthcare staff within military medical facilities and aims to expand access to mental health services.
“Our committee will continue to make improving the quality of life for our servicemembers a top priority,” Rogers stated.
Addressing national security concerns in Asia-Pacific regions, Rogers said: “The FY26 NDAA counters the threat from China and ensures mission success in the Indo-Pacific.” Key elements include extending the Pacific Deterrence Initiative; allocating $1 billion for Taiwan Security Cooperation; fully funding joint military exercises; and authorizing over $1.5 billion in critical military construction projects needed for operations in that region.
Funding levels outlined in Rogers’ remarks include more than $22 billion for shipbuilding programs focused on submarines and surface vessels; $38 billion toward air dominance initiatives such as new fighter aircraft; $15 billion dedicated to replenishing munitions stockpiles; and $142 billion allocated for research into new defense technologies.
“This is a strong bipartisan bill that delivers for our warfighters and deters our adversaries,” he said. “It will fundamentally reform the defense acquisition enterprise. It will continue historic improvements in the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. It will build the ready, capable, and lethal fighting force we need to deter China and our other adversaries. And it will deliver on President Trump’s Peace Through Strength Agenda.”
Rogers concluded his remarks by urging members of Congress to support passage of H.R. 3838.
