National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Bill: 119-s-2296
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced: 2025-07-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
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Summary:
action_date: 2025-07-15
text: 

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

 In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , and

 In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process .



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-09-19
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)
action_date: 2025-09-17
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6667)
action_date: 2025-09-16
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6625)
action_date: 2025-09-11
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6561)
action_date: 2025-09-10
text: Motion 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)
action_date: 2025-09-10
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6512)
action_date: 2025-09-04
text: Measure laid before Senate by motion.
action_date: 2025-09-04
text: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 83 - 13. Record Vote Number: 503. (CR S6054)
action_date: 2025-09-04
text: Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S6050)
action_date: 2025-09-03
text: Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5989)
action_date: 2025-09-02
text: Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 14. Record Vote Number: 500. (CR S5544)
action_date: 2025-09-02
text: Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (: CR S5539)
action_date: 2025-08-02
text: Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (: CR S5522)
action_date: 2025-08-02
text: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S5522)
action_date: 2025-07-15
text: An errata sheet on written report No. 119-39 was printed.
action_date: 2025-07-15
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.
action_date: 2025-07-15
text: Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
action_date: 2025-07-15
text: Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.