National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Bill Number: S. 1071
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Became Law
Became Law: Public Law 119-60
Latest Action: 2025-12-18: Became Public Law No: 119-60.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T15:52:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. 1071 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA FY2026, S. 1071) is a comprehensive annual bill that authorizes appropriations and sets policies for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of State, and other federal entities. It focuses on national security, military readiness, personnel, foreign affairs, and related programs. The bill is organized into 8 divisions (A-H) and emphasizes modernization, accountability, and strategic priorities. Below is a concise summary of its main points, structured by division.

Purpose

Authorizes approximately $1 trillion in discretionary spending for FY2026 (exact figures in funding tables).
Addresses military procurement, personnel policies, energy security, intelligence, and foreign policy challenges.
Includes reforms for efficiency, equity, and national security, with a focus on countering threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
Builds on prior NDAAs, incorporating amendments to existing laws (e.g., defense procurement, nuclear energy, sanctions).

Key Provisions

Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations

Procurement and R&D: Authorizes funding for aircraft, ships, vehicles, weapons systems (e.g., F-35, Virginia-class submarines, hypersonic weapons), and research in AI, biotechnology, and quantum tech. Emphasizes supply chain resilience and domestic sourcing (e.g., Berry Amendment updates).
Personnel: Reforms for military pay, housing, and benefits; addresses recruitment/retention (e.g., bonuses, mental health support); mandates reviews for equity and misconduct (e.g., sexual assault prevention, whistleblower protections).
Operations and Maintenance: Funds readiness, logistics, and sustainment; includes provisions for unmanned systems, cyber defense, and border security support.
Health and Family Support: Expands mental health, family violence prevention, and veteran services; requires data sharing with VA and other agencies.

Division B: Military Construction Authorizations

Authorizes funding for bases, housing, and infrastructure worldwide (e.g., $15B+ for DoD construction).
Focuses on resilience (e.g., PFAS remediation, nuclear energy facilities) and quality-of-life improvements (e.g., barracks, childcare).
Includes overseas projects (e.g., Guam, Europe) and disaster recovery (e.g., wildfire response).

Division C: Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations

Nuclear Security: Authorizes $30B+ for nuclear weapons stewardship, stockpile management, and nonproliferation; funds advanced reactors and uranium supply chain.
Energy Infrastructure: Supports clean energy, biofuels, and critical minerals; addresses PFAS contamination and grid resilience.
Environmental Programs: Funds cleanup (e.g., $1B for PFAS), wildlife protection, and climate adaptation.

Division D: Funding Tables

Detailed appropriations across DoD divisions (e.g., $850B+ for procurement/R&D, $150B for personnel).
Allocates funds by service branch, program, and category (e.g., $250B for aircraft/shipbuilding, $100B for R&D).

Division E: Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Authorizes $60B+ for diplomatic operations, foreign aid, and international organizations.
Focuses on alliances (e.g., NATO, Taiwan), countering adversaries (e.g., sanctions on Russia/China/Iran), and global issues (e.g., migration, cyber threats).
Includes funding for embassies, peacekeeping, and democracy promotion.

Division F: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Authorizes intelligence activities, counterterrorism, and cyber operations.
Enhances oversight, AI integration, and partnerships (e.g., Five Eyes); funds $100B+ for classified programs.
Mandates reports on threats (e.g., China biotech, Russian influence).

Division G: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

Authorizes $30B+ for Coast Guard operations, including vessel modernization and Arctic/Indo-Pacific focus.
Addresses personnel (e.g., sexual assault reforms), acquisition (e.g., cutters, drones), and environmental response (e.g., oil spills).

Division H: Other Matters

Miscellaneous provisions: Biotech ethics, foreign investments, judiciary reforms, NOAA enhancements, and repeals (e.g., outdated AUMFs).
Includes studies on veterans' benefits, infrastructure, and emerging tech (e.g., AI in defense).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Military Reforms: Updates to Title 10 (e.g., procurement thresholds, personnel standards); enhances anti-corruption and equity measures (e.g., for women, minorities).
Energy/Environment: Expands DOE nuclear powers; mandates PFAS remediation funding.
Foreign Policy: Strengthens sanctions (e.g., fentanyl, Russia/China); supports Taiwan/IMF integration; repeals Iraq AUMFs.
Intelligence/DoD: Increases R&D funding ($100B+); streamlines acquisitions for speed.
Social/Equity: Mandates diversity training, misconduct reporting, and family support; addresses climate/wildfire resilience.

Potential Impacts

National Security: Bolsters defense capabilities amid great-power competition; funds $1.5T+ total, prioritizing AI, hypersonics, and supply chains.
Economy/Personnel: Improves military pay/housing ($150B+); supports 1.3M+ active personnel with retention bonuses and mental health resources.
Global Reach: Enhances U.S. alliances (e.g., NATO, Indo-Pacific); promotes democracy/economic aid ($60B+ for State).
Challenges: Increases spending amid fiscal debates; requires oversight for reforms (e.g., audits, reports to Congress).
Implementation: Effective FY2026; many provisions sunset (e.g., 2030 for some tech initiatives); mandates briefings/reports for accountability.

This NDAA emphasizes readiness, innovation, and strategic competition while addressing domestic issues like veteran care and environmental cleanup. For full details, refer to the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

Cosponsors (1)

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Recent Actions

2025-12-18: Became Public Law No: 119-60.
2025-12-18: Became Public Law No: 119-60.
2025-12-18: Signed by President.
2025-12-18: Signed by President.
2025-12-18: Presented to President.
2025-12-18: Presented to President.
2025-12-18: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-12-17: Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1071 by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 20. Record Vote Number: 648. (Roll call 648)
2025-12-17: Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1071 by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 20. Record Vote Number: 648. (Roll call 648)
2025-12-17: Motion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 with an amendment (SA 3961) withdrawn in Senate.
2025-12-17: Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered).
2025-12-16: Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S8749)
2025-12-15: Considered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S8707-8708)
2025-12-15: Motion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Armed Services the House message to accompany S. 1071 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3963) fell when cloture was invoked on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 in Senate.
2025-12-15: Cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 76 - 20. Record Vote Number: 647. (CR S8707) (Roll call 647)

Bill Versions

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (3022 pages)
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 — issued 2025-12-19 — PDF (1259 pages)
An Act To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-08-01 — PDF (4 pages)
To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (2 pages)