S. 2296 Passed the Senate Armed Forces and National Security

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS] Introduced July 15, 2025 Cosponsors 0 Latest action November 12, 2025

Summary

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

Actions

  1. Nov 12, 2025 Held at the desk.
  2. Nov 12, 2025 Received in the House.
  3. Nov 10, 2025 Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  4. Oct 9, 2025 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.
  5. Oct 9, 2025 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.
  6. Oct 9, 2025 Considered by Senate.
  7. Oct 8, 2025 Considered by Senate.
  8. Oct 6, 2025 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6943-6944)
  9. Oct 1, 2025 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6889-6893)
  10. Sep 30, 2025 Considered by Senate.
  11. Sep 29, 2025 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6805-6813)
  12. Sep 19, 2025 Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)

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