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S 2296119th CongressIntroduced

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Introduced: Jul 15, 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] (R-Mississippi)
Defense & National Security
View on Congress.gov
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 is a comprehensive defense policy bill that authorizes appropriations and sets policies for the Department of Defense, military construction, and Department of Energy national security programs. This legislation establishes military personnel strength levels, authorizes funding for procurement, research and development, and operations, while implementing numerous policy changes across military operations, personnel management, acquisition processes, and international security cooperation. The bill addresses critical defense priorities including modernization of weapons systems, strengthening the defense industrial base, countering threats from China and Russia, supporting allies and partners, and improving military readiness and quality of life for service members and their families.

Key Points

  • 1Authorizes appropriations across four divisions covering Department of Defense operations, military construction, Department of Energy national security activities, and detailed funding tables for fiscal year 2026
  • 2Establishes end strength levels for active duty and reserve forces across all military services, including provisions for Space Force general officer management and National Guard personnel authorities
  • 3Implements acquisition reforms including modifications to commercial contracting procedures, other transaction authorities, modular open systems approaches, and measures to strengthen the defense industrial base and reduce dependence on foreign adversaries for critical materials
  • 4Enhances security cooperation with allies and partners, particularly extending and modifying the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Pacific Deterrence Initiative, Taiwan security cooperation, and building capacity programs for foreign military forces
  • 5Addresses personnel policies including military compensation, housing allowances, healthcare benefits through TRICARE, education support for military families, recruitment and retention initiatives, and restrictions on certain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs

Impact Areas

Military service members and families through compensation adjustments, expanded benefits, improved healthcare access, enhanced child care options, and better support for military spouse employment and children's educationDefense industrial base and contractors through acquisition streamlining, expanded authorities for nontraditional contractors, domestic sourcing requirements, prohibitions on procurement from adversary nations, and industrial capacity building initiativesInternational allies and partners particularly Ukraine, Taiwan, NATO members, Indo-Pacific nations, and Middle Eastern partners through extended security assistance authorities and cooperative programsDefense workforce including both uniformed personnel and civilian employees through hiring reforms, training programs, retention incentives, and workforce development initiativesNational security infrastructure through investments in shipbuilding, aircraft modernization, munitions production, cyber capabilities, space systems, and critical technology development
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