North Carolina State Representative Gregory F. Murphy has expressed support for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), stating that it “empowers our military” and “safeguards our country” while reducing costs and providing resources for service members and families at North Carolina bases.
“I am pleased to support this year’s National Defense Authorization Act,” said F. Murphy. “This package empowers our military and safeguards our country against foreign threats while saving taxpayers over $20 billion by cutting unnecessary bureaucracy. It is my honor to ensure these individuals and their families, who sacrifice so much for our freedom and prosperity, have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”
According to a press release by Murphy, the passage of H.R. 3838, known as the SPEED Act and FY2026 NDAA, allocates $90 million for Camp Lejeune and $200 million for an F-35 sustainment center at Fleet Readiness Center East. The bill also includes a 3.8% pay raise for service members, expanded bonuses, and authorizes the Medal of Honor for retired Marine Major James Capers Jr. It funds aircraft, submarines, and warships, strengthens the defense industrial base, prohibits the retirement of certain aircraft, provides border security and counter-narcotics funding, changes Department of Defense workforce policies, requires merit-based standards, limits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and funds U.S.-Israel defense cooperation.
Murphy emphasized that “it is peace through strength that keeps the United States and the world safe,” highlighting North Carolina’s role as home to some of the nation’s finest warfighters at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River. He said it is his honor to ensure these individuals have the necessary tools and resources.
The FY2026 defense bill establishes funding and policy for Department of Defense operations, military construction, national security programs under the Department of Energy and Maritime Administration. It addresses nuclear safety and petroleum reserves, updates acquisition systems, authorizes procurement and research & development (R&D), sets troop levels, addresses healthcare and pay issues, outlines contracting rules for small businesses, defines foreign relations policies with Israel, expands cyber programs including artificial intelligence (AI), authorizes nuclear security measures along with cleanup efforts as well as energy activities according to Congress.gov.
Murphy is currently serving his fourth term representing North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. He serves on several committees including House Ways & Means Committee along with House Veterans Affairs Committee; additionally co-chairs House GOP Doctors Caucus while holding degrees from Davidson College alongside University Of North Carolina’s School Of Medicine being noted as only practicing surgeon within Congress according to House.gov.
