Washington, D.C. – Immersive technologies are gaining significant traction in Congress as both chambers embed XR and digital twin capabilities into the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and sectoral appropriations bills.
In the Senate, the NDAA directs the Secretary of the Navy to prioritize augmented reality (AR) for guided repairs and digital twin technologies for ship modeling to enhance fleet readiness. The legislation also calls for expanded use of AR/VR in training and maintenance at military bases receiving private 5G infrastructure.
Meanwhile, House appropriators are advancing immersive tools through targeted program funding and report language. The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee proposes up to $3.5 million for HUD to explore VR/AR in construction design and disaster recovery, while the Energy & Water Subcommittee highlights digital twin applications for traffic optimization, nuclear energy, and inland waterway modernization.
In addition, the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) report underscores growing bipartisan momentum, with Members across the aisle championing immersive projects. Lawmakers – including Reps. Gabe Amo (D-RI), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), Susie Lee (D-NV), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), and Haley Stevens (D-MI) – requested funding for immersive initiatives spanning law enforcement training, higher education, flood modeling, workforce retraining, and sustainable XR mobility.
Together, these provisions demonstrate a growing consensus in Congress that immersive technologies are essential for public safety, infrastructure resilience, workforce development, and U.S. innovation leadership
