North Carolina State Representative Gregory F. Murphy expressed his support for the House-passed Fiscal Year 2026 defense bill, which he believes will enhance U.S. security and deter adversaries.
“I applaud the House for passing an FY26 Department of Defense Appropriations package that meets the moment and robustly funds our military to deter our enemies and keep America safe,” said Rep. Gregory F. Murphy.
The FY26 Department of Defense Appropriations Act includes a 3.8% pay raise for military personnel starting January 2026. It allocates funds for the procurement of advanced aircraft such as the F-35Bs and F-15EXs, invests in nuclear modernization with projects like the B-21 Raider and Columbia-class submarine, and supports missile defense and space programs with approximately $13 billion allocated. Additionally, it provides $500 million for Israeli missile defense cooperation.
According to a press release, the act reduces the civilian workforce by nearly 45,000 positions, prohibits funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the Department of Defense, increases funding for counterdrug programs by $1.15 billion, and transfers military responsibility for Mexico from U.S. Northern Command to Southern Command. Further amendments fund industrial base analysis and support Army innovation programs.
“We live in a very dangerous world in which hostile regimes are waging war against our allies in Europe and the Middle East, and becoming increasingly belligerent in Asia,” said Murphy. “The United States must remain strong militarily to maintain peace in our homeland and in our hemisphere.”
Murphy is serving his fourth term as the representative for North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. He is a member of several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Additionally, he co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. Murphy holds degrees from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine and is noted as the only practicing surgeon in Congress.
