National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA FY2026)
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a major piece of legislation that Congress passes every year to set the budget and policies for the U.S. military and national defense programs. For fiscal year 2026, this bill determines how much money the Department of Defense and related agencies can spend, what that money can be used for, and establishes rules governing military operations, personnel, and equipment. The NDAA does not directly write the checks — it sets the legal framework and spending limits that a separate appropriations process then funds.
This bill affects a wide range of people and institutions. Active-duty military members, reservists, and National Guard personnel could see changes to their pay, benefits, housing allowances, and service conditions. Defense contractors and companies that supply equipment, technology, or services to the military are also directly impacted, as the bill shapes what programs get funded or canceled. Additionally, the legislation often includes provisions related to veterans' programs, cybersecurity, foreign military aid, and national security policy more broadly.
The bill passed the Senate with a strong bipartisan vote of 77 to 20, suggesting broad support across party lines. It has since been sent to the House of Representatives, where it is currently being held for further consideration. Because the House may vote on it as-is or seek changes through negotiation, the final version of the law could look somewhat different from what the Senate approved. Once both chambers agree on a final text, it would go to the President for signature.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Held at the desk.
November 12, 2025
Sponsor
Committees
Legislative History
Received in the House.
Nov 12, 2025Held at the desk.
Nov 12, 2025Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Nov 10, 2025Passed 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.
Oct 9, 2025Considered by Senate.
Oct 9, 2025Motion 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to Senate Committee on Armed Services with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3866) withdrawn in Senate.
Oct 9, 2025Passed/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.
Oct 9, 2025Considered by Senate.
Oct 8, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6943-6944)
Oct 6, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6889-6893)
Oct 1, 2025Considered by Senate.
Sep 30, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6805-6813)
Sep 29, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6781-6784)
Sep 19, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6667)
Sep 17, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6625)
Sep 16, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6561)
Sep 11, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6512)
Sep 10, 2025Motion 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)
Sep 10, 2025Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 83 - 13. Record Vote Number: 503. (CR S6054)
Sep 4, 2025Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S6050)
Sep 4, 2025Measure laid before Senate by motion.
Sep 4, 2025Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5989)
Sep 3, 2025Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S5539)
Sep 2, 2025Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 14. Record Vote Number: 500. (CR S5544)
Sep 2, 2025Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S5522)
Aug 2, 2025Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S5522)
Aug 2, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 115.
Jul 15, 2025Introduced in Senate
Jul 15, 2025Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
Jul 15, 2025Committee on Armed Services. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Wicker. With written report No. 119-39.
Jul 15, 2025An errata sheet on written report No. 119-39 was printed.
Jul 15, 2025Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 6.
Apr 9, 2025Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 8.
Apr 9, 2025Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 5.
Apr 8, 2025Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-75, pt. 3.
Mar 5, 2025