S. 2296 · 119th Congress · Armed Forces and National Security
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
What it does
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, Jul 15, 2025 (Reported to Senate). CRS summarizes bills impartially; it does not take positions.
Roll call votes
| Date | Question | Party split (yea) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 Senate roll 500 |
On Cloture on the Motion to ProceedAn 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. | D 34–11 · R 49–2 · I 1–1 |
Passed 84–14 |
| Sep 4, 2025 Senate roll 503 |
On the Motion to ProceedAn 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. | D 34–11 · R 48–1 · I 1–1 |
Passed 83–13 |
| Sep 10, 2025 Senate roll 512 |
On the Motion to TableTo direct the Attorney General to make publicly available documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. | D 0–45 · R 51–2 · I 0–2 |
Passed 51–49 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 562 |
On the AmendmentTo prohibit earnings on balances maintained at a Federal Reserve bank by or on behalf of a depository institution. | D 7–37 · R 6–45 · I 1–1 |
Failed 14–83 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 563 |
On the AmendmentTo require Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation of the Inspector General of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. | D 8–36 · R 44–6 · I 1–1 |
Failed 53–43 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 564 |
On the AmendmentTo require a review of the methodologies used to determine the amounts of locality-based comparability payments and to require the President's Pay Agent to conduct a pilot program establishing alternative models for determining the amounts of those payments. | D 3–41 · R 48–3 · I 0–2 |
Failed 51–46 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 565 |
On the AmendmentTo prohibit the use of funds to procure or modify foreign aircraft for presidential airlift. | D 44–0 · R 0–50 · I 2–0 |
Failed 46–50 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 566 |
On the AmendmentTo amend title 32, United States Code, to clarify certain limitations on full-time National Guard duty performed in a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia. | D 44–0 · R 1–50 · I 2–0 |
Failed 47–50 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 567 |
On the AmendmentTo limit the provision of support by the Armed Forces to civilian law enforcement activities. | D 44–0 · R 0–52 · I 2–0 |
Failed 46–52 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 568 |
On the AmendmentTo reduce the bloated Pentagon budget by 10 percent and instead expand veteran dental care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. | D 9–35 · R 0–52 · I 1–1 |
Failed 10–88 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 569 |
On the AmendmentTo limit the use of Federal law enforcement officers for crowd control, and for other purposes. | D 44–0 · R 1–50 · I 2–0 |
Failed 47–50 |
| Oct 9, 2025 Senate roll 570 |
On Passage of the BillAn 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. | D 26–18 · R 50–1 · I 1–1 |
Passed 77–20 |
Latest action
Nov 12, 2025 · Held at the desk.