Representative Tran Advances Critical National Security Priorities in National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) voted to advance the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of the House Armed Services Committee. The bill, which authorizes $882.6 billion in discretionary defense spending, includes multiple provisions supported by Tran to support military readiness, servicemember quality of life, and community enrichment programs based in Southern California. Specifically, Tran successfully championed the inclusion of a directive to the Department of Defense (DOD) to continue robust investment and support for the Joint Forces Training Base – Los Alamitos (JFTB-LA) based in California’s 45th congressional district. The base is both critical to U.S. military readiness and a pillar of the surrounding community to engage and uplift emerging leaders.

“As one of the only pieces of legislation that must be passed by Congress every year, the National Defense Authorization Act is critical to ensure that we are prepared to tackle any global challenge and we provide our troops and their families with the resources they need,” said Representative Tran. “As an Army Veteran who had the privilege to train at Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos, I was proud to champion a provision in the legislation that will ensure continued investments in the base and recognition of its invaluable role in protecting our homeland and enriching our community. Advancing this bipartisan bill is a step in the right direction to ensure our military remains second to none.”

Tran’s advocacy for JFTB-LA will help ensure the base can continue meeting its critical mission supporting natural disaster response, West Coast defense, and border security. In total, Tran voted in support of a $261 million authorization for the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and STARBASE programs -- critical youth development programs that currently run at JFTB-LA through the Sunburst Youth Academy and STARBASE Los Alamitos. Overall, these investments will further JFTB-LA's ability to continue supporting the readiness of the California National Guard and other DOD entities.

In addition, Representative Tran championed provisions in the bill that will:

• Hold the DOD accountable for the proper treatment of the 4,000 National Guardsmen who were federalized and subsequently housed at JFTB-LA in response to President Trump’s June 2025 order;

• Improve access to federal contracts for small businesses through the Office of Small Business Programs within DOD that facilitates small business participation in the DOD acquisition process; and

• Promote advanced manufacturing and ensure competitive acquisition processes.

The bill passed out of the House Armed Services Committee by a bipartisan vote of 55-2. The NDAA is a critical must-pass piece of legislation to authorize funding levels and provide authorities for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities. The NDAA ensures America’s forces have the training, equipment, and resources they need to carry out their missions. It now awaits a full vote by the House of Representatives.

Serving his first term in Congress, Representative Tran was appointed to the powerful House Armed Services Committee, overseeing the Department of Defense. Tran serves as a co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force, bringing together expertise in Congress to develop policy solutions to the most pressing national security challenges facing our country. Representative Tran enlisted in the Army Reserve at age 18 and served for eight years. He was activated for Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom before earning an honorable discharge.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.