Congressman Gabe Evans Votes to Strengthen America's Military, Support Service Members, and Restore Deterrence
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Gabe Evans, a veteran of the Global War on Terror and former Black Hawk helicopter pilot, voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that strengthens America's military, invests in service members and their families, modernizes our defense capabilities, and ensures the United States remains prepared to confront growing threats from adversaries like Communist China.
“As an Army veteran who has completed a combat deployment in the Middle East, I know firsthand that peace is achieved through strength. Our service members deserve the best training, equipment, and support possible to accomplish their mission and return home safely. I'm especially proud that the House also adopted two of my amendments—one to help ensure our National Guard and Reserve service members finally receive equal special incentive pay for the same skills and qualifications as their active-duty counterparts, and another to strengthen military aviation by supporting critical upgrades for our rotary wing helicopter fleet.
This year's National Defense Authorization Act invests in military readiness, strengthens our defense industrial base, modernizes the force for future conflicts, and continues rebuilding the world's strongest fighting force. At a time when adversaries like Communist China, the Iranian Regime, and transnational criminal organizations are growing more aggressive, Congress has a responsibility to ensure America remains prepared to deter conflict and defend our national security.” — Congressman Gabe Evans
Congressman Evans introduced two amendments based on his experience serving in the Colorado Army National Guard — both of which passed the House and were included in the final bill. As a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, he flew missions overseas and responded to dangerous wildfires here in Colorado. During his service, he saw firsthand that National Guard members are held to the same high standards as Active-Duty service members but don't always receive the same incentive pay. That's why one of his amendments helps ensure Guardsmen and Reservists are paid fairly when they meet the same qualifications. His second amendment invests in upgrades that will make military helicopters safer, stronger, and more capable so pilots have the equipment they need to complete their missions and return home safely.
Drawing on his own military experience, Congressman Evans worked to ensure this year's NDAA not only strengthens America's national defense, but also supports the men and women who wear the uniform. He knows firsthand that giving our service members the right tools and resources are essential to maintaining the strongest military in the world.
The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act will:
Strengthen America's military readiness by investing in advanced weapons systems, hypersonic capabilities, missile defense, autonomous systems, and next-generation technologies.
Increase pay for America's service members while supporting military families through expanded counseling resources, childcare assistance, and quality-of-life improvements.
Accelerate defense innovation by expanding investments in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and strengthening America's defense industrial base.
Counter growing threats from Communist China by strengthening supply chain resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, expanding Indo-Pacific deterrence, and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
Enhance border and counter-drug operations by increasing support for National Guard counter-drug programs and strengthening efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations.
Modernize the Department of Defense by improving acquisition processes, increasing transparency, strengthening financial accountability, and delivering capabilities to the warfighter faster.
Restore merit and military readiness by ensuring defense resources remain focused on warfighting, mission accomplishment, and the needs of America's service members.
The Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA reflects Congress' commitment to ensuring the United States military remains the strongest, most capable fighting force in the world while providing service members with the resources, equipment, and support they need to defend our nation.
Read the full text here.