WASHINGTON, D.C, – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after passage of the Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “In my first NDAA as a senator on the Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to have secured real wins that put America first and keep us ahead of our adversaries like Communist China. My amendments give American companies first access to advanced AI, protect our research from China, speed up military acquisition, and help military kids stay focused in school.”
Senator Banks’ Amendments in the National Defense Authorization Act:
- GAIN AI Act: Creates an America-First Right of Refusal to ensure American customers are offered the opportunity to purchase advanced AI chips prior to any chip producer applying for a license to export those chips to a foreign adversary nation.
- Defending Defense Research from CCP Espionage Act: Prohibits DoD-funded universities from entering into contracts with foreign adversaries like China and extends the ban on funding fundamental research involving such entities.
- 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.
- REFOCUS DoDEA Act: 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.
- RESIDE Act: A bipartisan bill that would set aside funding within the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) starting in 2026 for new pilot program to help communities turn abandoned or run-down buildings—like warehouses, factories, hotels, strip malls, and other unused spaces—into new housing.
| Background:The National Defense Authorization Act is U.S. federal law that sets the annual budget, policies, and priorities for the Department of Defense. Senator Banks served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and is an Afghanistan veteran. He previously served on the Armed Services Committee in the House of Representatives as the representative for Indiana’s third district. |