National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Plain Language Summary
# National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 - Summary **What It Does** This bill authorizes funding and sets policies for the Department of Defense, the military, and related national security agencies for fiscal year 2026. It approves spending for military equipment like aircraft, ships, and missiles; determines how many active-duty and reserve troops the military can have; and establishes rules for military healthcare, pay, and benefits. The bill also covers policies for the Department of Energy's national security programs, the Coast Guard, the State Department, and U.S.
intelligence agencies. **Who It Affects** This legislation impacts active-duty service members, military reservists, military retirees and veterans, defense contractors and manufacturers, and federal employees in national security agencies. It also affects foreign policy priorities, particularly regarding relationships with Israel, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific nations. **Key Provisions & Status** The bill addresses military acquisitions and contracting, cyber operations, interactions with foreign nations, and various military personnel matters including compensation and healthcare. The bill has already been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect.
CRS Official Summary
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026This 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). The bill also sets forth policies and authorities for the Department of State, the Coast Guard, and the Intelligence Community (IC).Among other elements, the billauthorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles;sets active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation;sets policy regarding DOD acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities and domestic sourcing;sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific;sets policy for various matters related to DOD cyber operations, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence;authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years;authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Naval Petroleum Reserves, and Maritime Administration;sets policy regarding the organization and workforce of the State Department;sets acquisition and personnel policy for the Coast Guard; sets policy for merchant mariner credentials, vessel safety, and oil pollution response; andsets policy for the IC regarding artificial intelligence and biotechnology.For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) seeIn Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA, andIn Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-60.