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S 2296: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

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

HR 3944: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026

This bill provides FY2026 appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for activities and programs related to military construction, veterans, agriculture, and the legislative branch.

Specifically, the bill includes 3 of the 12 regular FY2026 appropriations bills:

  • the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026;
  • the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026; and
  • the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026.

The departments, agencies, and activities funded in the bill include

  • Department of Defense military construction and family housing activities,
  • the Department of Veterans Affairs,
  • the Department of Agriculture,
  • the Food and Drug Administration,
  • the Senate,
  • various agencies that support Congress, and
  • several related and independent agencies.

(Pursuant to the longstanding practice of each chamber of Congress determining its own requirements, funds for the House of Representatives are not included in the Senate bill.)

The bill also sets forth requirements and restrictions for using funds provided by this and other appropriations acts.

HR 3838: Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and 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 and the Maritime Administration. It also authorizes appropriations for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and the Naval Petroleum Reserves, and modifies the defense acquisition system to expedite delivery of capabilities to the Armed Forces.

Among other elements, the bill

  • authorizes the acquisition or modification of various military items (e.g., aircraft) and sets policy for certain procurement programs;
  • authorizes research, development, test, and evaluation and sets policy for such activities;
  • sets active component and reserve component end-strength levels;
  • sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation;
  • sets policy regarding acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities and small businesses;
  • sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning Israel;
  • sets policy for various matters related to DOD cyber activities, cyber workforce and training, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence matters; and
  • authorizes the activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration, defense environmental cleanup, nuclear energy, and other defense activities.

For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see