WASHINGTON, D.C, – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Committee’s mark-up of theFiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “I’m proud to have secured amendments that confront 21st century challenges facing our military. These changes will help protect sensitive research from the Chinese Communist Party, speed up how we get the tools our troops need, and make sure military kids can focus in the classroom without unnecessary distractions.”
Senator Banks’ Amendments in the National Defense Authorization Act:
- China Research Security: Closes loopholes exploited by the Chinese Communist Party to access U.S. defense research, reversing Biden-era rollbacks and strengthening protections for DoD-funded projects.
- Requires DoD-funded universities to disclose contracts with foreign adversaries and extends the ban on funding fundamental research involving such entities.
- China Supply Chain: Expands the ban on DoD purchases from Chinese military companies, including those operating through third countries, to reduce reliance on Chinese products.
- Buying Faster than the Enemy Act: A bill introduced by Sen. Banks that speeds up military acquisitions by streamlining procurement, reducing red tape, and prioritizing commercial solutions for both traditional and nontraditional contractors.
- DoDEA Cellphone Restrictions: The REFOCUS DoDEA Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Banks, requires the DoD to implement rules limiting cellphone use in classrooms for military children to reduce distractions, with exceptions for emergencies.
- Shipbuilding Initiatives: Directs the DoD to explore moving ship component production inland and to use AI and commercial tools to improve efficiency and cut waste in naval shipyards.
Background:
The National Defense Authorization Act is U.S. federal law that sets the annual budget, policies, and priorities for the Department of Defense.