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Delivering $140 Million for North Carolina, Supporting Our Troops, and Strengthening America

August 4, 2026

Dear friend,

As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, making sure our servicemembers and their families have the pay, resources, and support they deserve is one of my top priorities.

That’s why I voted to pass this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. The bill expands support for servicemembers, strengthens our industrial base, and delivers major wins for Fort Bragg and defense projects in North Carolina.

Through the bill, I was able to secure more than $140 million in project authorizations for our district and state, resulting in one of the highest funding totals secured by any House member. I also helped secure additional investments at Fort Bragg and new legislative protections for special operators carrying out critical missions.

Here is a closer look at what we accomplished.

 

Delivering for Fort Bragg and North Carolina

Fort Bragg is home to some of the most elite warfighters in the world, serving as our nation’s global response force and undertaking critical missions all over the world. Therefore, it is imperative these warriors and their families have the best facilities, equipment, and support possible so they can maintain readiness and get the job done.

This year, I secured $65 million for a Special Operations Forces ammunition supply point and $6.4 million for a Special Operations Forces battalion operations facility at Fort Bragg. I also secured $69 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar for the North Carolina National Guard.

Together, those projects total more than $140 million for North Carolina.

I also helped secure additional investments, including:

  • $50 million for a Special Operations Forces training facility at Fort Bragg
  • $31 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar at Fort Bragg
  • $10.5 million for reliable backup power at Fort Bragg
  • $2.5 million for defense innovation in North Carolina

The bill also supports needed construction and maintenance at Fort Bragg and bolsters North Carolina’s defense innovation and industrial base.

As long as I have the honor of serving as Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I will keep fighting to give our servicemembers everything they need to complete their missions and come home safely.

 

Protecting Our Special Operators

Our special operators carry out some of the most dangerous and sensitive missions in the world. They and their families should never have to worry someone will expose their identities and put a target on their backs.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Special Operator Protection Act of 2026 after identifying information about a servicemember involved in a sensitive military operation was posted publicly.

Following my months-long push, this year’s defense bill includes new protections for special operators and other military personnel serving in sensitive units. Anyone who intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to keep secret could face prison time and fines.

This is an important step in the right direction, but my work is not finished. I will keep pushing for stronger protections for the personal information of our servicemembers and their families.

 

Giving Our Troops the Resources They Need

The men and women who put on the uniform make tremendous sacrifices to defend our country.

This year’s defense bill gives every servicemember a pay raise. That means more money in the pockets of military families working to pay their bills, buy groceries, and raise their children.

Our servicemembers deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve competitive pay, good housing, reliable child care and the best equipment in the world.

That is why the bill also invests $1.8 billion in new barracks and family housing, while improving education and child care for military families. When our troops know their loved ones are taken care of at home, they can focus on the mission ahead.

 

Rebuilding America’s Military Strength

The threats facing our country are growing. China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are watching closely for any sign of weakness.

Peace comes through strength. We prevent wars by making sure our enemies know America has the troops, weapons, and industrial strength to defeat any threat.

This year’s defense bill replenishes depleted weapons stockpiles, strengthens America’s missile defense, and speeds up the development of new technology. It also expands American defense manufacturing, opens the door to more small businesses, and creates skilled jobs here at home.

At the same time, the bill cuts nearly $30 billion in wasteful, Biden-era programs and pushes the Pentagon toward a clean financial audit. Every defense dollar should help our troops, strengthen readiness, or keep America safe.

A strong military begins with strong servicemembers and the American workers who build their equipment. House Republicans and I are making sure America can out-build, out-innovate, and out-produce any enemy.

 

More Work on the House Floor

The defense bill was not the only important work we completed over the past couple of weeks.

I was proud the House passed my bipartisan DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act. People with Down syndrome enrich our families and communities in so many ways. My bill strengthens federal research into Down syndrome and related health conditions so people living with it can lead longer, healthier lives and reach their full potential.

House Republicans also passed legislation to help Americans with disabilities who want to enter or return to the workforce. Outdated federal rules can punish people for trying to work by putting the benefits they still need at risk. This bill allows Social Security to test better approaches while protecting the income and benefits of everyone who volunteers to participate.

We also passed a budget resolution, taking the first step toward legislation focused on military preparedness, American agriculture, and election integrity. The House has now directed committees to begin developing legislation to replenish critical weapons stockpiles, support the farmers who feed our country, and ensure only American citizens vote in American elections.

I am working to secure each of those basic priorities.

Whether it is giving our troops a raise, strengthening Fort Bragg, protecting special operators, or helping Americans build a better life, my focus remains the same: delivering results for the people I represent and keeping our country safe.

Until next time,

Richard Hudson

Member of Congress