Shaheen Statement Highlighting New Hampshire and National Security Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill
**Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions authored and secured by Shaheen to invest in New Hampshire and America’s national defense** **Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions authored and secured by Shaheen to invest in New Hampshire and America’s national defense** **Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions authored and secured by Shaheen to invest in New Hampshire and A
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement highlighting the multiple provisions benefitting New Hampshire and America’s national defense and security in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Notably, the final version of the annual bipartisan defense legislation includes Shaheen’s provisions to exempt public shipyards from reductions in force (RIFs) and hiring freezes, require consultation with Congress before withdrawing troops from NATO, repeal outdated Caesar sanctions on Syria and more.
“With Secretary Hegseth and the Trump Administration pursuing a national security strategy that leaves America weaker on the global stage, it’s especially important that the annual defense bill assert Congress’s oversight authority and advance policies that make us stronger and safer while improving the lives of our service members. I’m incredibly proud to share that the final NDAA—which includes many Granite State priorities that bolster our nation’s security and readiness—helps do exactly that.
“This legislation includes my measures to repeal outdated Caesar sanctions on Syria—a historic milestone that will help Syrians recover from decades of conflict and move toward stability—and reaffirm Congress’ role by requiring the Administration consult with Congress before withdrawing troops from NATO as it recklessly did in Romania earlier this year. We also reaffirm America’s commitment to allies in the Western Balkans by codifying sanctions against those who threaten peace and stability in the region.
“Critically for New Hampshire, I secured provisions to respond more quickly to the spread of PFAS contamination and clarify that DoD can use innovative technologies to destroy PFAS, providing more tools to address contamination. And to support local jobs that are essential to our nation’s security, I successfully included my legislation to exempt Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and all other public shipyard employees from reductions in force and future hiring disruptions.
“I look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill advance out of the House and Senate and head to the President’s desk.”
As a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen shapes the defense bill to address both America's top national security objectives, while also enhancing New Hampshire’s role in support of our national defense.
Click HERE to read more about Senator Shaheen’s provision exempting Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employees from hiring freezes and reductions in force.
Click HERE to read more about Senator Shaheen’s provision requiring consultation with Congress before withdrawing troops from NATO.
Click HERE to read more about Senator Shaheen’s provision repealing the Ceasar sanctions.
Click HERE to read more about Senator Shaheen’s provision safeguarding Ukraine assistance.
Click HERE to read a summary of Senator Shaheen’s wins in the Senate-passed NDAA earlier this year.
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