WASHINGTON– The U.S. House has approved a defense authorization bill that includes major investments in military facilities and aircraft programs across Alabama, according to U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers’ office.

The House passed H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, on Wednesday, July 22. The measure passed by a 216-212 vote, according to the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House.

Rogers represents Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District and chairs the House Armed Services Committee. He praised the bill for supporting military personnel, strengthening national defense and investing in the country’s defense industrial base.

“Our national security depends on a ready, capable and well-equipped fighting force backed by a robust and innovative defense industrial base,” Rogers said.

He added that national defense begins in American factories, depots and shipyards. Rogers said the legislation would help reverse years of underinvestment while expanding the military’s ability to deter potential adversaries.

Anniston Army Depot

According to Rogers’ office, the House-passed bill authorizes three projects at Anniston Army Depot.

The projects include $53 million for an access control point. The bill also includes $5.4 million for a consolidated shipping and receiving facility and $4.94 million for a welding shop.

Redstone Arsenal

The legislation includes several major authorizations connected to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

Rogers’ office lists $250 million for a Space Force operational facility and $450 million for the U.S. Space Command headquarters.

The bill also authorizes $2.05 billion for Air Force construction. In addition, it includes two separate $90 million investments involving power generation and microgrid infrastructure.

Maxwell Air Force Base

The bill authorizes $44 million for an addition to the elementary and middle school at Maxwell Air Force Base.

It also includes $65 million to restructure a military housing privatization initiative for Air Education and Training Command Group II.

Another provision would prohibit the 42nd Medical Group from discontinuing certain educational and developmental intervention services. Rogers’ office also lists a $44 million authorization for defense agency construction projects at Maxwell.

Birmingham Army Reserve Project

The legislation authorizes $57 million for a military construction project in Birmingham.

The proposed project includes an Army Reserve Center, an Army Maintenance Support Activity facility and land acquisition.

Fort Rucker Aircraft Programs

The House-passed measure contains several aircraft procurement and improvement authorizations connected to Fort Rucker.

For the UH-60 Black Hawk program, the legislation includes $289.26 million for new UH-60M aircraft. It also provides $35.15 million for the Black Hawk Product Improvement Program.

The bill authorizes $591.65 million for new CH-47 Chinook helicopters and $108.41 million for Chinook modifications.

Another $168.41 million would support the purchase of MH-47 Chinook helicopters for special operations aviation. The Chinook Product Improvement Program would receive $7.28 million.

The legislation also includes $125.01 million for modifications to UH-72 Lakota helicopters.

Rogers Outlines Broader Priorities

Rogers said the legislation advances President Donald Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” agenda. He also said it improves military readiness and supports service members and their families.

His office said the bill seeks to rebuild the defense industrial base, restore combat capabilities and strengthen American deterrence.

The release also credits the bill with eliminating waste, fraud and abuse to save $30 billion. In addition, Rogers’ office said it incorporates more than 65 executive orders and legislative proposals from the Trump administration.

The House vote advances the annual defense authorization legislation through Congress. The listed amounts remain subject to the remainder of the legislative and federal funding processes.

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