National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Bill Number: S. 2296
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2025-11-12: Held at the desk.
Last Updated: 2026-05-13T13:16:42Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. 2296 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026) for military activities of the Department of Defense (DoD), military construction, and defense-related activities of the Department of Energy (DoE). It prescribes military personnel strengths for FY 2026 and includes provisions for other purposes, such as policy reforms, oversight, and strategic initiatives. The bill emphasizes enhancing defense capabilities, addressing personnel issues, modernizing systems, and supporting allies amid global security challenges. It is organized into divisions focusing on procurement, research, operations, personnel, and international relations, with a total authorization of funds across DoD and DoE activities.

Key Provisions

The bill is structured into multiple divisions and titles, covering a broad range of defense, housing, and policy matters. Major sections include:

Division A: Department of Defense Authorizations
Title I (Procurement): Authorizes funds for aircraft, missiles, ships, munitions, and other equipment. Key provisions include procurement of F-35 aircraft, submarines (e.g., Columbia-class), and unmanned systems. It mandates strategies for supply chain resilience and promotes domestic manufacturing for defense needs.
Title II (Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation): Allocates funds for R&D in areas like hypersonics, AI, biotechnology, and nuclear deterrence. Includes mandates for roadmaps on AI integration and biotechnology strategies.
Title III (Operation and Maintenance): Funds operations for major force programs, including ship sustainment and readiness. Emphasizes energy resilience and environmental compliance in facilities.
Title IV (Military Personnel Authorizations): Sets end strengths (e.g., Army: 454,000 active; Navy: 344,600; Air Force: 321,500). Addresses personnel policies, including end-strength adjustments, reserve components, and support for families (e.g., child care, housing).
Title V (Military Personnel Policy): Covers officer promotions, retirement reforms, sexual assault prevention, and family readiness. Includes provisions for veterans' benefits and workforce integration.
Title VI (Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits): Mandates pay raises (e.g., 4.5% for military personnel), housing allowances, and incentives like language proficiency bonuses.
Title VII (Health Care Provisions): Expands TRICARE, mental health support, and disability evaluations. Aligns Coast Guard health policies with DoD standards.
Title VIII (Acquisition Policy and Management): Reforms procurement processes, including modular open systems, small business participation, and cybersecurity for contracts.
Title IX (DoD Organization and Management): Enhances oversight, establishes offices like the Joint Energetics Transition Office, and reforms personnel management.
Title X (General Provisions): Addresses financial matters, naval vessels, counterterrorism, and miscellaneous authorities (e.g., Guam/Philippines housing, AUKUS cooperation).
Division B (Military Construction): Authorizes construction, land acquisition, and family housing projects (e.g., $1.2 billion for Army barracks). Includes enhancements for resilient facilities.
Division C (DoE National Security Authorizations): Funds nuclear weapons stewardship, R&D for weapons, and environmental cleanup. Authorizes $25.3 billion for DoE defense activities.
Division D (Funding Tables): Details FY 2026 appropriations (e.g., $850 billion total DoD discretionary; specific breakdowns for procurement, R&D, personnel).
Division E (Other Authorizations): Covers intelligence, space, and strategic programs (e.g., AI, hypersonics, biotech). Mandates reports on China/Russia threats.
Division F (Intelligence Authorization): Authorizes $80 billion for intelligence activities, focusing on cyber, biotech, and adversary threats.
Division G (DoS Matters): Enhances consular services, anti-trafficking, and diplomacy (e.g., RCO program, China's diplomatic posts).
Division H (Coast Guard Authorization): Funds Coast Guard operations, personnel, and construction ($28.5 billion total).
Division I (ROAD to Housing Act): Promotes affordable housing reforms, including counseling, opportunity zones, and modular housing incentives.
Division J (DoS Authorization): Funds State Department activities, with focus on workforce, cyber diplomacy, and international partnerships.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Procurement and Acquisition Reforms: Introduces modular open systems for faster tech integration (Title VIII); mandates domestic sourcing for critical components (e.g., munitions, semiconductors); extends AUKUS submarine program timelines.
Personnel and Health: Aligns Coast Guard with DoD standards for sexual assault prevention, mental health, and discharge reviews. Expands continuous vetting for security clearances and adds whistleblower protections.
Nuclear and Energy: Updates DoE nuclear stewardship (Title XXXI); establishes biotech management office and joint energetics office.
Housing and Family Support: Reforms military housing (Division B); expands VA loan awareness and disability benefits (Title VI).
International Focus: Mandates reports on China's diplomatic presence and strategies against Russia/Iran (Title XII); extends AUKUS and Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
DoS and Oversight: Requires annual reports on intelligence, cyber threats, and personnel reductions; establishes Regional China Officer program.
Technical Amendments: Repeals outdated provisions (e.g., World's Fair funding ban); streamlines environmental reviews for construction.
New Programs: Creates Defense Community Infrastructure Program (Division E); pilots whole-home repairs and modular housing incentives.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Increases DoD budget by ~$850 billion, boosting procurement (e.g., F-35s, submarines) and R&D (~$150 billion). Enhances DoE nuclear security ($25 billion). Streamlines DoD acquisition, potentially reducing costs and timelines but requiring new oversight mechanisms. Coast Guard gains $28.5 billion for operations and construction, improving readiness. DoS gets tools for cyber diplomacy and countering adversaries, potentially straining resources amid global tensions.
On Citizens: Military personnel (1.3 million active) receive 4.5% pay raise and better family support (e.g., child care, housing). Veterans benefit from expanded health care and loan disclosures. Housing reforms (Division I) aim to increase supply, affordability, and accessibility, potentially aiding 1.5 million service members and families. Rural and low-income communities gain from disaster recovery and home repair programs.
On International Relations: Strengthens alliances (e.g., AUKUS submarines to Australia; Pacific partnerships). Counters China/Russia through intelligence sharing, sanctions on spyware, and supply chain diversification. Enhances global security via biotech and cyber strategies but may escalate tensions with adversaries.

Stakeholders Affected

Primary Beneficiaries: DoD branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines); military families (housing, health); contractors (procurement, R&D); veterans (benefits); Coast Guard (operations, personnel).
Government Entities: DoD, DoE, DoS, Congress (oversight committees like Armed Services, Foreign Affairs); intelligence community (cyber, threats); regulatory bodies (FHA, VA).
Private Sector: Defense contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin for F-35s); housing developers (modular homes, repairs); small businesses (acquisition incentives).
Citizens and Communities: Service members (pay, wellness); low-income/rural residents (housing affordability); taxpayers (efficiency reforms).
International: Allies (e.g., Australia, Taiwan, Philippines); adversaries (China, Russia via sanctions/reports); global partners (diplomatic exchanges).

This bill prioritizes defense modernization and personnel welfare while addressing housing affordability and international security. It promotes efficiency but requires robust oversight to manage increased spending (~$1 trillion total).

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

Sponsor

Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

Recent Actions

2025-11-12: Held at the desk.
2025-11-12: Received in the House.
2025-11-10: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
2025-10-09: 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. (Roll call 570)
2025-10-09: Passed/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. (Roll call 570)
2025-10-09: 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.
2025-10-09: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S7062-7087)
2025-10-08: Considered by Senate.
2025-10-06: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6943-6944)
2025-10-01: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6889-6893)
2025-09-30: Considered by Senate.
2025-09-29: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6805-6813)
2025-09-19: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)
2025-09-17: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6667)
2025-09-16: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6625)

Bill Versions

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 — issued 2025-10-09 — PDF (3100 pages)
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (1454 pages)