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FY2026 Defense Bill
The U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a large bipartisan margin, approving roughly $901 billion in defense policy and authorizing a 3.8% pay raise for service members.
“The Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 77–20, authorizing $901 billion for defense programs”
The measure — described across outlets as a roughly 3,000-page bill reflecting many Trump administration priorities while increasing congressional oversight of the Pentagon — now goes to President Trump.
Coverage emphasizes both the bill’s scale and bipartisan support while noting it sets policy and authorizes spending rather than directly appropriating funds.
Congressional oversight of strikes
A prominent feature of the bill is increased congressional oversight of recent U.S. military actions.
Lawmakers pressured the Pentagon to turn over raw, unedited strike video and authorizing documents for U.S. strikes on vessels suspected of drug-smuggling near Venezuela.
These requests include material related to a Sept. 2 strike that killed two people.
Congress withheld one-quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget until the material is provided.
Classified briefings have been held for some committees even as the Pentagon resisted public release on operational-security grounds.
Limits on troop reductions
The NDAA enshrines limits on unilateral troop reductions overseas and requires consultation with NATO before cutting U.S. troop levels in Europe.
“Restricts unilateral cuts to U.S. troop levels in Europe and South Korea — the Defense Department must consult NATO allies and justify any reductions below set thresholds (76,000 in Europe, 28,500 in South Korea).”
It bars cuts below specific thresholds (76,000 troops in Europe and 28,500 in South Korea) and increases reporting and notification requirements for major decisions.
Supporters say the measures protect allied commitments and deterrence, while critics argue they constrain executive flexibility.
Defense bill overview
The bill enshrines several Trump administration priorities while rolling back Pentagon diversity and climate programs.
It repeals military DEI offices and training and cuts roughly $1.6 billion from climate-related defense programs.
The bill includes procurement reforms to speed technology and weapons acquisitions to compete with China.
It carries contentious aviation provisions that some lawmakers fear could let aircraft avoid broadcasting precise locations after a midair collision.
Lawmakers and outlets differ on emphasis.
Some stress modernization and deterrence, while others emphasize oversight, climate, and safety concerns.