United StatesNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
What it does
This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2026 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, military construction, and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). It also authorizes the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board for FY2026. The bill authorizes appropriations but it does not provide budget authority, which is provided by appropriations legislation.
More detail
Among other elements, the bill
authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles;
authorizes active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;
authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years;
requires DOD to develop a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies;
requires the Navy to implement certain processes to improve the material condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards;
extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (an initiative to enhance U.S. deterrence and defense posture, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region) through FY2026; and
repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within DOD, including a provision establishing the position of Chief Diversity Officer of DOD.
For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see
In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, and
In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Nov 12Received in the House.Latest
- Nov 12Held at the desk.
- Nov 10Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Oct 10
- Vote recorded On Passage of the Bill S. 2296. Result: Bill Passed.Senate
- Oct 9Considered by Senate.
- Oct 9Motion by Senator Thune to recommit to Senate Committee on Armed Services with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3866) withdrawn in Senate.
- Oct 9Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate under the order of 10/9/2025, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 20. Record Vote Number: 570.
- Oct 8Considered by Senate.
- Oct 6Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6943-6944)
- Oct 1Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6889-6893)
- Sep 30Considered by Senate.
- Sep 29Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6805-6813)
- Sep 19Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)
- Sep 17Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6667)
- Sep 16Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6625)
- Sep 11Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6561)
- Sep 10Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6512)
- Sep 10Motion by Senator Thune to recommit to Senate Committee on Armed Services with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3866) made in Senate. (text: CR S6512)
- Sep 4Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S6050)
- Vote recorded On the Motion to Proceed S. 2296. Result: Motion to Proceed Agreed to.Senate
- Sep 4Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 83 - 13. Record Vote Number: 503. (CR S6054)Passed Senate
- Sep 4Measure laid before Senate by motion.
- Sep 3Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5989)
- Sep 2Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5539)
- Vote recorded On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed S. 2296. Result: Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Agreed to.Senate
- Sep 2Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 14. Record Vote Number: 500. (CR S5544)
- Aug 2Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S5522)
- Aug 2Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S5522)
- Jul 15Introduced in Senate
- Jul 15Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
- Jul 15Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.
- Jul 15An errata sheet on written report No. 119-39 was printed.
- Apr 9Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 8.
- Apr 9Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 6.
- Apr 8Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 5.
- Mar 5Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 3.Introduced