US Senator Coons Secures Key Wins for Delaware in Defense Appropriations Bill
August 1, 2025/
The FY 2026 Defense Appropriations bill has moved out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations with a 26 to 3 vote. This measure provides the US military with $851.9-billion in discretionary funding needed to deter China and Russia, support servicemembers and their families and strengthen the defense industrial base. US Senator Chris Coons adds that the bill will fund programs throughout Delaware.
- $1.5 billion to support C-130J aircraft procurement by the National Guard, including the Delaware Air Guard.
- Nearly $619 million to support the continued production of CH-47 helicopters at the Boeing Ridley Park Facility.
- $350 million to support the National Guard Reserve Equipment Account (NGREA), which provides critical equipment to the National Guard and Reserve forces operating in Delaware.
- $30 million to support the United Service Organizations (USO), which plays a vital role in supporting military families and assisting the families of fallen troops, including at Dover Air Force Base.
- Nearly $408 million to support PFAS remediation projects, which protect the environment and critical infrastructure like drinking water from dangerous PFAS chemicals in Delaware.
- $50 million to support the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, which supports at-risk high school students in developing life skills, leadership, and discipline through a rigorous, months-long mentorship and education program.
- $42.5 million to support the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), which has nearly 400 volunteers across Delaware who support state agencies and local populations, including during natural disasters.
- $130 million to support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which strengthens civilian infrastructure used by military installations or operations.
- $31 million to support the APEX Accelerators Program, which supports Delaware’s small businesses in navigating the contracting process with the Department of Defense.
After the second reading on Thursday, H.R.4016 — 119th Congress (2025-2026) was been placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
The measure passed in the US House on July 18th with a vote of 221 to 209.
Posted in $851.9-billion in discretionary funding, DE funding, FY 2026 Defense Appropriations, H.R.4016, NGREA, Senate Committee on Appropriations, US Senator Chris Coons-DE, production of CH-47 helicopters, support C-130J aircraft procurement, support PFAS remediation projects, support the APEX Accelerators Program, support the Civil Air Patrol, support the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, support the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, support the United Service Organizations