U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who chairs the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the Senate. The legislation contains several measures authored by Cruz that address national security priorities for Texas, including provisions impacting Texas military bases and communities.
Cruz stated, “I was honored to author several provisions in this bill that enhance Texas’s position as the critical state in protecting America’s national security, and that more broadly enhance the national security and prosperity of Americans.
“I am particularly proud to have authored language maintaining B-1 bomber operations at Dyess Air Force Base through 2030, strengthening Coast Guard programs, and modernizing Red River Depot into a premier hub for drone systems. The NDAA provides our military bases and servicemembers with modernized technology, advanced equipment, essential resources, and a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members. These investments strengthen our national security and support Texas communities and military families.
“I’m proud of the priorities for Texas included in this year’s NDAA, and I will continue to fight for our servicemembers and ensure America continues to show peace through strength.”
The NDAA includes ten provisions authored by Cruz. Among them is an extension of protections for B-1B bomber operations at Dyess Air Force Base until September 30, 2030. Another provision aims to transform Red River Army Depot into a leading center for small unmanned aircraft systems production. The act also features authorization for Coast Guard programs designed to bolster border protection efforts, maritime commerce facilitation, deterrence strategies, and personnel support.
Additional measures allow prosecution of drug traffickers using remote-controlled or autonomous vessels; prepare Dyess Air Force Base for future B-21 Bomber deployment through specialized maintenance facilities; improve base infrastructure; accelerate procurement of long-range assault aircraft; clarify land use regulations benefitting the Texas A&M University System; and restrict funding cuts to Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades pending operational review.
Senator Cruz has previously won statewide elections in Texas against Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of the vote versus Allred's 44.6%, against Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% compared to O'Rourke's 48.3%, and against Paul Sadler in 2012 with a margin of 56.5% over Sadler's 40.6%.
