Congressman Patronis: We’re Bolstering America’s Military

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis issued a statement on the passage of H.R. 4016 – Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026 (the Defense Appropriations Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives last night, which allocates more than $851 billion to ensure America’s military superiority around the world, protect the southern border, and fund basic pay increases of 3.8% for all military personnel. The bill includes operation and maintenance funds, building on the Congressman’s request for funding to restore the Blue Angels hangar at NAS Pensacola. Congressman Patronis voted in support of the legislation, which will move to the U.S. Senate for consideration. 

Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “It is an honor to represent the men and women in America’s armed forces, and to have voted ‘yes’ to pass the Defense Appropriations Act and advance the America First agenda, which supports our troops and their families in Northwest Florida. We funded a well-deserved pay boost to our heroes stationed at Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, NAS Pensacola, and NAS Whiting Field, and ended DEI programs to ensure our service members can focus on defending the country, instead of woke ideology. I also requested $12 million for a hangar at NAS Pensacola, which would help preserve Blue Angels fighter jets being housed there. While we have made some great strides in restoring the strength of our military under the leadership of President Trump and Speaker Johnson, there is much more to be done, and I look forward to working with congressional leadership to continue funding projects that will provide much needed improvements to our infrastructure in Northwest Florida.”

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act: 

• Includes operation and maintenance funds building on the Congressman’s request for funding to restore the Blue Angels hangar at NAS Pensacola;
• Funds a 3.8% increase in basic pay for military personnel;
• Provides $40.9 billion for DOD medical and healthcare programs;
• Codifies President Trump's executive actions to end DEI programming, which prohibits funding for sex-change surgeries, abortion-related travel, drag queen shows, and COVID vaccine and mask mandates;
• Champions America’s military superiority and restores combat readiness; and
• Provides $1.15 billion for counter drug programs.

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About Congressman Jimmy Patronis  
Congressman Jimmy Patronis represents the citizens of Florida’s First Congressional District in Northwest Florida and serves as a member of the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Congressman Patronis works every day to support small businesses, strengthen America’s military, advocate for our nation’s veterans, and fight for every citizen’s opportunity to live the American dream. Follow Congressman Patronis on Facebook, Instagram, and X.