Senator Collins Advocates for Defense Funding Bill to Ensure Military Pay and Readiness

Support for the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill

• 🇺🇸 Senator Susan Collins urges support for the Defense Appropriations Bill, crucial for national defense and the well-being of U.S. service members.
• 🎯 The bill aims to provide necessary funding for U.S. military services to deter adversaries like China and Russia, support service members and their families, and strengthen the defense industrial base.

Addressing Uncertainty in Military Pay

• 💸 A key objective of the bill is to remove the uncertainty faced by American troops regarding their pay, which has been impacted by government shutdown threats.
• ☁️ Passing a continuing resolution, as attempted multiple times, would also help alleviate the uncertainty hanging over military paychecks.

Key Investments and Priorities in the Bill

• 🚢 The Senate version of the bill, advanced with bipartisan support, addresses major funding gaps by investing in shipbuilding, including a down payment for an additional DDG51 and investments in submarines.
• 🚀 It expands critical munitions production, including air and missile defense interceptors, long-range missiles, and next-generation hypersonic weapons.
• 🛰️ Funding is allocated for drone and counter-drone technologies, recognizing their increasing impact on the battlefield, as seen in Ukraine and Israel.
• 🤝 The bill sustains security cooperation with allies and partners, enhancing their defense capabilities as force multipliers for the U.S.

Investing in Service Members and Bipartisan Process

• 🎖️ The bill invests in the courageous, dedicated, and patriotic men and women of our armed forces, demonstrating a commitment to their readiness, well-being, and mission success.
• 🤝 Collins commends the bipartisan leadership and hard work on the bill, noting input from 94 senators through over 5800 requests.
• 🗣️ She advocates for an open process on the Senate floor, allowing for the addition of bipartisan bills addressing domestic priorities like biomed research and infrastructure, ensuring members have a voice in funding decisions.