US Rep. Ronny Jackson secured key defense priorities for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District and America’s warfighters last week during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The legislation advanced out of committee with strong support, 44-12, and is expected to be considered by the full House in the coming weeks.
“America faces rapidly evolving threats that demand a modern, lethal, and resilient military,” said Rep. Jackson. “This year’s NDAA will strengthen and modernize our national defense, revitalize our Defense Industrial Base, support our warfighters, and invest in the technologies and capabilities needed to deter our adversaries and win on the future battlefield. I’m proud to have championed policies that support Sheppard Air Force Base, Bell Helicopter, and the Pantex Plant in my district, bolster our Special Operations Forces, and provide our military with the resources needed to deter our adversaries and safeguard American citizens.”
“Chairman Jackson is driving critical efforts to ensure America’s national defense community remains the most capable and effective in the world,” said HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). “Through his leadership of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, he is advancing investments in the FY27 NDAA that accelerate emerging technologies, strengthen our strategic advantages, and provide our warfighters with the capabilities they need to succeed in increasingly complex threat environments. Chairman Jackson understands that preserving America’s technological and operational edge is essential to deterring our adversaries and safeguarding our national security.”
The Pantex Plant, which employs numerous Donley County residents, specifically benefits from the bill. It accelerates the timeline for completion of the High Explosive Synthesis, Formulation, and Production Facility at the Pantex Plant, moving the start of operations from 2034 to 2032.
The bill 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.
Jackson’s efforts also authorize an additional $20 million to accelerate development of the Material Staging Capability project at the Pantex Plant and organizes a briefing on the progress of the Pantex Material Staging Capability project, including its finalized conceptual design and initial cost estimates.
The legislation also benefits Amarillo’s Bell Helicopter facility. It advances full development of the Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), authorizing $2.141 billion for research, development, testing, and evaluation, along with $127.2 million for advance procurement of operational test aircraft. It also supports the incorporation of the Nacelle Improvement Program on 24 United States Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft.
The bill directs a V-22 Readiness and Modernization Report across the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to outline investment plans, readiness improvements, mid-life upgrades, and accelerated nacelle modernization efforts for all V-22 variants.
It also fully facilitates the Navy’s H-1 Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program to enhance the performance, survivability, and effectiveness of H-1 aircraft.
At the Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) in Amarillo, the bill authorizes $10 million to establish a Joint Neuroscience Demonstration Program focused on developing treatments for the long-term effects of brain injuries in servicemembers.
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