As chairman of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, I have the privilege of working closely with the men and women who serve our country, particularly those in the Alabama National Guard. Their commitment, professionalism and readiness reflect something we understand well in Alabama: strength is built through hard work, discipline and long-term investment.
My perspective is also shaped by more than 30 years of service in the United States Army, including time as an Army aviator, as well as service as an armor officer and an inspector general. I have seen firsthand how critical it is to ensure our military is equipped, supported and prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. These experiences have informed my belief that the President’s proposed FY2027 defense budget matters both for our national security and for communities across Alabama.
Alabama has become a cornerstone of America’s defense and aerospace strength, and companies like Northrop Grumman help produce the advanced systems that keep our military at the forefront. From precision munitions to solid rocket boosters, the technology that keeps America ahead often begins right here in our state.
This did not happen by accident. Alabama has built a reputation for excellence in defense manufacturing and innovation over decades. And we are not slowing down anytime soon.
But beyond the headlines and high-tech systems, defense work in Alabama supports real people and real families. Consider that manufacturers like Northrop Grumman support more than 14,000 jobs across the state, generating over $1.4 billion in wages. In total, defense-related activity contributes more than $4.22 billion in economic output and over $450 million in tax revenue annually.
Behind Northrop Grumman is a network of 146 suppliers across Alabama. These businesses, many of them small manufacturers and skilled trades, form the backbone of our defense industrial base. When defense projects move forward, these businesses grow, hire and invest. When they stall, the effects ripple quickly through local economies, impacting the readiness of our forces deployed overseas.
Talk to the men and women working on these programs, and you will hear something even more important than economic data. The systems being built in Alabama are transforming how our military operates. They provide our service members with better tools, faster intelligence and a clearer understanding of the battlefield. That advantage can mean the difference between success and failure—and, in many cases, life or death.
The FY2027 defense budget supports that mission. It ensures our troops are properly paid and equipped. It invests in modernization. And it strengthens the industrial base that makes all of it possible. Supporting this budget is about recognizing that states like Alabama are essential to America’s defense.
While I remain focused on serving the people of Alabama in the State House, our federal delegation must continue to advocate for the interests of our state in Washington. We also must be clear-eyed about the global environment. Our adversaries are investing heavily in their own military capabilities. Procrastination is not an option for the United States.
That is why I strongly encourage Congress to support the President’s defense budget in full.
Just as importantly, this budget is about supporting the men and women who serve. When we ask them to step forward, accept risk and defend our nation, we owe them the absolute best: training, technology and resources that give them every possible advantage.
Congress should keep that responsibility front and center as it considers the FY2027 defense budget. Supporting it means supporting Alabama workers, strengthening our national security, and ensuring that our state continues to lead in the industries that matter most.
