Summary
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
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.
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
Legislative Journey
Held at the desk.
HouseReceived in the House.
HouseMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
SenatePassed 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.
SenatePassed/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.
Motion 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to Senate Committee on Armed Services with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3866) withdrawn in Senate.
SenateConsidered by Senate.
SenateConsidered by Senate.
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6943-6944)
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6889-6893)
SenateConsidered by Senate.
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6805-6813)
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6667)
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6625)
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6561)
SenateMotion 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)
SenateConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6512)
SenateMeasure laid before Senate by motion.
SenateMotion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 83 - 13. Record Vote Number: 503. (CR S6054)
SenateMotion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S6050)
SenateMotion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5989)
SenateCloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 14. Record Vote Number: 500. (CR S5544)
SenateMotion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5539)
SenateCloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S5522)
SenateMotion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S5522)
SenateAn errata sheet on written report No. 119-39 was printed.
SenatePlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.
SenateCommittee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
SenateCommittee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
Introduced in Senate
Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 6.
SenateCommittee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 8.
SenateCommittee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 5.
SenateCommittee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 3.
Senate