SE Minnesota News

Congressman Brad Finstad, who represents Minnesota’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, issued a statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3838, known as the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery (SPEED) and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.

Finstad expressed his support for the legislation: “By cutting government red tape for our servicemembers, streamlining access to the latest capabilities, and continuing strong investments in our defense industrial base, this year’s NDAA puts our military in a position to not only deter our adversaries, but restore Peace Through Strength.

“I am glad to see this legislation pass today and I am proud of the work we have done on the House Armed Services Committee to deliver on President Trump’s defense priorities and fulfill our commitment to our country’s servicemembers, their families, and all Americans.”

The FY26 NDAA includes several measures such as codifying parts of executive orders from President Trump and legislative provisions requested by his administration. It also addresses reforms in Department of Defense acquisitions, increases military pay by 3.8%, authorizes full funding for the Golden Dome program, expands domestic manufacturing jobs within the defense sector, and aims to save taxpayers over $20 billion through various reforms.

One notable inclusion is Finstad’s Strategic Transparency Act. This measure seeks to ensure that the United States has adequate information to address China’s increasing influence and changing military strength.

Brad Finstad has served in Congress since 2022 after replacing Jim Hagedorn as representative of Minnesota's 1st district. He previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1976, Finstad graduated with a BS from the University of Minnesota and currently resides in New Ulm.