Peoria Standard

Congressman Darin LaHood, representing Illinois's 16th district and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has expressed approval for the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. This legislation aims to bolster America's military capabilities.

Rep. LaHood also showed support for the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which targets Russia's actions in Ukraine. "To confront the generational threat posed by our foreign adversaries, the United States must invest in our military and enforce substantive mechanisms to deter further aggression," said Rep. LaHood. He emphasized his pride in supporting measures that provide essential resources to U.S. armed forces.

LaHood highlighted the importance of standing with allies against aggression and mentioned co-sponsoring Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for actions in Ukraine. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to bolster our national security," he added.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act focuses on maintaining U.S. military superiority, protecting against threats from the southern border, and supporting service members and their families. Recent developments in drone technology during the Ukraine-Russia conflict have underscored the need for increased research into counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), an area where Rep. LaHood has proposed additional funding.

Key elements of this defense act include investments in aircraft, submarines, shipbuilding, pay increases for military personnel, and efforts to combat international drug trafficking.

Should Russia continue its current stance regarding negotiations over Ukraine, Rep. LaHood supports imposing sanctions through the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025. This act proposes extensive sanctions on Russian officials and entities connected to President Putin and introduces significant tariffs on imports from Russia or countries purchasing Russian-origin energy products.