WASHINGTON –
Congress has approved a sweeping national defense bill that raises military pay and secures key missions at Oklahoma bases, even as lawmakers head into the new year with unresolved fights over government funding and health care policy.
The newly approved National Defense Authorization Act authorizes more than $900 billion in defense spending, the largest total in the bill’s history. Congress has now passed an NDAA for 65 consecutive years, making it one of the few measures that consistently draws bipartisan support.
The bill includes a nearly 4% pay raise for all U.S. service members, a move lawmakers say is aimed at helping military families keep pace with inflation after years of lagging compensation.
Oklahoma’s congressional delegation has emphasized the bill’s importance to the state, which is home to multiple military installations and thousands of defense-related jobs.
Tinker Air Force Base mission preserved
One of the most significant provisions for Oklahoma ensures the continuation of airborne surveillance and command missions at Tinker Air Force Base.
Congress rejected a proposal to retire the Air Force’s aging E-3 Sentry aircraft without a full replacement and instead fully funded the transition to the newer E-7 Wedgetail platform. The decision keeps the mission at Tinker, where the E-3 fleet has operated for decades.
Lawmakers said the move overrides earlier administration plans and ensures Oklahoma remains a central hub for airborne command and control operations. The E-7 aircraft is already used by allied nations, including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Support for bases statewide
Beyond Tinker, the NDAA includes funding and policy support for military installations across Oklahoma, including facilities near Lawton and McAlester. The bill also expands investments in drone research, counter-drone defenses and supply-chain support for small businesses tied to military operations.
Some provisions reflect Republican priorities, including language that codifies executive actions rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the Department of Defense.
Dispute over “right to repair” language
Not all lawmakers were satisfied with the final bill.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin criticized the removal of “right to repair” language that would have allowed service members to repair certain military equipment in the field without relying on defense contractors.
The Senate had supported the provision, but it was stripped out by the House before final passage, prompting frustration from lawmakers who argue the military should control systems it pays to develop.
Appropriations fight still unresolved
Despite passage of the NDAA, Congress has not completed work on the separate defense appropriations bill required to fund government operations.
Lawmakers extended current funding levels through the end of January, leaving nine major appropriations bills unfinished. Rep. Tom Cole, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, has said he is optimistic Congress can meet the deadline but acknowledged Senate delays have slowed negotiations.
A late breakdown over a multi-bill Senate package has raised the possibility of another government shutdown if no agreement is reached.
Health care subsidies add political pressure
Tensions are also rising over the pending expiration of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, which could drive up insurance costs for millions of Americans, including many in Oklahoma.
Moderate Republicans pushed for a short-term extension paired with reforms, but House leadership under Speaker Mike Johnson declined to allow a vote on the compromise.
Lawmakers in both parties have warned that allowing the subsidies to lapse could have serious consequences for families, while accusing the opposing side of using the issue as political leverage ahead of the 2026 elections.
