Legislation proposed by Congressman Derek Schmidt to make it easier for small companies to become suppliers for the Pentagon, passed the U. S. House of Representatives recently as part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
Schmidt says the processes for acquiring new technologies and materials to meet those threats, has lagged behind. He says “small businesses wanting to contribute to America’s National Security should not need a team of accountants, lawyers, and government relations professionals just to supply the Pentagon with what our military needs,” Schmidt said.
The creative energy and can-do mentality of small businesses are exactly what is required to reinvigorate our military supply chain and maintain our edge over potential adversaries. The Second District of Kansas is home to numerous military interests, including the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, the U.S. Army’s Combined Arms Center and 35th Infantry Division at Fort Leavenworth, and the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas National Guard at Forbes Field in Topeka.
