President Donald J. Trump has signed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA) into law, enacting several national security measures led by Congresswoman Young Kim of California’s 40th district. The legislation aims to modernize the U.S. military, support service members, and enhance deterrence against global adversaries.
Key provisions authored by Rep. Kim include the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, which instructs the U.S. governor at the International Monetary Fund to advocate for Taiwan’s membership and participation in various IMF activities. Another measure, the ARMOR Act, seeks to speed up defense cooperation among AUKUS partners—the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom—by streamlining export reviews and technology sharing.
The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act establishes a registry for Korean American families seeking reunification with relatives in North Korea and improves State Department efforts in this area. Additional provisions update and reauthorize the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), focusing on critical sectors such as minerals and energy to counter economic strategies from countries like China.
Rep. Kim stated: “As China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran deepen their unholy alliance, Congress is committed to rebuilding our military, restoring American strength, and keeping our nation safe. Now is the time to put peace through strength into action. This critical bill strengthens allied deterrence against adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party, counteracts terrorism and drug trafficking harming American communities, stands with our dedicated U.S. service members who put their lives on the line for our nation, and ensures the United States continues to lead on the world stage for generations to come.”
She added: “The NDAA becoming law is a major win for our troops, our allies, and our national security. I will continue working with President Trump to ensure America leads from a position of strength and remains the safest, strongest nation in the world.”
Young Kim has represented California’s 40th district in Congress since 2021 after succeeding Gil Cisneros; she previously served in California’s State Assembly from 2014 to 2016. Born in Incheon, South Korea in 1962, Kim currently resides in La Habra. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1985.
