Hudson-Led Push Delivers New Protections for Special Operators in Annual Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), Fort Bragg’s Congressman, applauded the inclusion of new protections for Special Operations Forces and other personnel serving in sensitive military units in the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision follows a months-long push by Hudson to protect servicemembers from the intentional disclosure of information that could expose their identities, endanger their families, or compromise sensitive military missions.

“Our special operators take on some of the most dangerous missions in the world to keep us safe. They and their families should never have to worry someone will expose their identities and put a target on their backs,” said Rep. Hudson. “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I introduced legislation to strengthen these protections, and I’m glad this year’s NDAA takes an important step in the right direction. I will keep working to make sure our servicemembers and their families have the strongest protections possible.”

Background

Earlier this year, Hudson, alongside U.S. Representative Pat Harrigan (NC-10), introduced H. R. 7136,  the Special Operator Protection Act of 2026,  following an incident in which identifying information about a servicemember involved in a sensitive military operation was posted publicly. U.S. Senator Ted Budd introduced a companion measure in the U.S. Senate. 

H. R. 7136 would make it a federal crime to knowingly publish restricted personal information about Special Operations Forces, certain servicemembers and Department of War personnel involved in sensitive activities, and their immediate family members when the information is intended to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate violence.

The NDAA provision advances the same goal through a different legal framework by extending existing federal protections for covert identities to certain servicemembers and Department of War personnel involved in sensitive units or activities. It applies criminal penalties when someone intentionally exposes an identity the government is actively working to conceal.

Hudson will continue pushing for the broader protections in his Special Operator Protection Act, including safeguards for the personal information of covered servicemembers and their immediate families.

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