S. 1071 · 119th Congress · Senate
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Introduced 2025-03-14 · Sponsored by Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX] (R-TX) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-12-18): Became Public Law No: 119-60.
Summary
The annual defense spending blueprint that sets military policy and authorizes funding for 2026. Covers everything from weapons procurement and troop levels to military pay raises, cyber defense, and intelligence operations. Also includes provisions for the Department of Energy's nuclear security programs, the Coast Guard, and the State Department. Essentially the yearly bill that decides how the U.S. military operates and what it buys.
The Good
Funds military readiness and modernization across all branches
Authorizes funding for weapons systems, cyber defense, space capabilities, and AI research. Includes provisions for maintaining military readiness and force structure across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Includes military pay raise for service members
Authorizes a pay increase for uniformed service members, helping offset inflation and cost-of-living increases. Also addresses military housing, childcare, and quality-of-life improvements that affect retention and recruitment.
Addresses emerging threats from China, Russia, and non-state actors
Directs investment toward countering near-peer adversaries, including provisions for Indo-Pacific deterrence, European defense posture, and counter-terrorism operations. Includes oversight requirements for military aid and operations.
The Bad
Massive spending authorization with limited item-by-item scrutiny
The NDAA bundles thousands of provisions into one bill, making it nearly impossible for legislators to evaluate each line item. This consolidation means contentious policies can pass with minimal debate simply because they are attached to must-pass defense legislation.
Often used as a vehicle for unrelated policy riders
The NDAA has become a magnet for amendments on topics ranging from immigration to social policy because it is one of the few bills that passes annually. This turns defense policy into a bargaining chip for unrelated legislative priorities.
Defense spending continues growing while domestic programs face cuts
The defense authorization represents the single largest category of discretionary spending. Critics argue that continual increases in military spending come at the expense of education, infrastructure, and healthcare funding, especially in years when budget caps constrain total discretionary spending.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-12-17
BipartisanPassage (Senate)
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #648
Senate vote by state
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Senate, 2025-12-15
BipartisanCloture on Motion to Concur
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #647
Senate vote by state
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Senate, 2025-12-11
BipartisanMotion to Proceed
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #646
Senate vote by state
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House, 2025-12-10
BipartisanPassage (House)
Passed Congress.gov — House Roll Call #320
House vote by state
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