West Indy News

Congressman Jim Baird, who represents Indiana’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, expressed his support for the passage of H.R. 3838, known as the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (SPEED Act and FY26 NDAA). The legislation includes an amendment from Congressman Baird that requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to brief both House and Senate Armed Services Committees on the feasibility of using pulsed lasers.

“I was proud to vote for this year’s NDAA to codify President Trump’s peace through strength agenda and improve the quality of life for our service members and their families,” said Congressman Baird. “This bill provides our troops with a well-deserved pay raise and enhanced benefits for our military families. This year’s NDAA supports the Department of Defense’s border security operations and removes woke, DEI policies from our military so our troops can focus on becoming the most capable, ready, and lethal fighting force the world has ever seen. I also want to thank Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Chairman Mike Rogers for including my amendment on assessing pulsed laser capabilities in this year’s bill. As a decorated combat veteran, I am proud to help advance this bill to strengthen our national defense and provide service members with the tools they need to successfully complete their missions and defend our country.”

The bill eliminates statutory provisions related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the Department of Defense. It fully funds additional authorities to support border security efforts by the Department of Homeland Security.

The act also reforms how new technologies are acquired by speeding up delivery processes within the Department of Defense. Service members will receive a 3.8% pay raise along with improved benefits for their families.

The legislation authorizes full funding for various defense programs including Golden Dome, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems. It introduces new measures aimed at encouraging allied nations to contribute more toward their own defense efforts.

According to details from Congressman Baird's office, he has served as Indiana's 4th District representative since 2019 after replacing Todd Rokita (https://baird.house.gov/about/). Before joining Congress, Baird served in both local government roles—including as an Indiana House Representative from 2010–2018—and previously on Putnam County Commission from 2006–2010 (https://www.congress.gov/member/jim-baird/B001307).

The SPEED Act is projected to provide over $20 billion in savings through reforms initiated by DOGE assumed in President Trump’s budget request. The legislation also codifies an executive order intended to promote energy independence by supporting new nuclear power technologies.

Baird was born in Covington, Indiana in 1945 and currently lives in Greencastle. He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in 1967.