S. 1071

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Sponsor: John Cornyn

1 cosponsor
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Official summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service.

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). The bill also sets forth policies and authorities for the Department of State, the Coast Guard, and the Intelligence Community (IC).

Among other elements, the bill

  • authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft, ships, and missiles;
  • sets active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels;
  • sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation;
  • sets policy regarding DOD acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities and domestic sourcing;
  • sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning Israel, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific;
  • sets policy for various matters related to DOD cyber operations, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence;
  • authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years;
  • authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Naval Petroleum Reserves, and Maritime Administration;
  • sets policy regarding the organization and workforce of the State Department;
  • sets acquisition and personnel policy for the Coast Guard; 
  • sets policy for merchant mariner credentials, vessel safety, and oil pollution response; and
  • sets policy for the IC regarding artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

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.

Text of the bill

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A Department of Defense Authorizations

I Procurement

A Authorization of Appropriations

B Army Programs

C Navy Programs

D Air Force Programs

E Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters

II Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation

A Authorization of Appropriations

B Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations

C Biotechnology Matters

D Plans, Reports, and Other Matters

III Operation and Maintenance

A Authorization of Appropriations

B Energy and Environment

C Logistics and Sustainment

D Matters Relating to Munitions

E Other Matters

IV Military Personnel Authorizations

A Active Forces

B Reserve Forces

C Authorization of Appropriations; Reports

V Military Personnel Policy

A Officer Policy

B Reserve Component Management

C General Service Authorities and Military Records

D Recruitment and Accession

E Member Training

F Member Education

G Military Justice and Other Legal Matters

H Career Transition

I Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education

J Decorations and Awards, Reports, and Other Matters

VI Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits

A Basic Pay and Retired Pay

B Bonus, Incentive, and Separation Pays

C Allowances

D Leave

E Family and Survivor Benefits

F Defense Resale Matters

G Other Benefits, Administrative Matters, Reports, and Briefings

VII Health Care Provisions

A TRICARE and Other Health Benefits

B Health Care Administration

C Studies, Reports, and Other Matters

VIII Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters

A Acquisition Policy and Management

B Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and Limitations

C Provisions Relating to Workforce Development

D Provisions Relating to Supply Chains and Domestic Sourcing

E Prohibitions and Limitations on Procurement

F Industrial Base Matters

G Other Matters

IX Department of Defense Organization and Management

A Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters

B Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters

X General Provisions

A Financial Matters

B Counterdrug Activities

C Naval Vessels and Shipyards

D Counterterrorism

E Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations

F Studies and Reports

G Other Matters

XI Civilian Personnel

XII Matters relating to foreign nations

A Assistance and training

B Foreign military sales and related processes

C Matters relating to the Middle East

D Matters relating to Israel

E Matters relating to Europe, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation

F Matters relating to the Indo-Pacific region

G Matters relating to Asia

H Other matters

XIV Other Authorizations

A Military Programs

B National Defense Stockpile

C Other Matters

XV Cyberspace-related Matters

A Cyber Operations

B Cybersecurity

C Information Technology and Data Management

D Artificial Intelligence

E Reports and Other Matters

XVI Space Activities, Strategic Programs, and Intelligence Matters

A Space Activities

B Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities

C Nuclear Forces

D Missile Defense Programs

E Matters Relating to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

F Matters Relating to Electromagnetic Warfare

G Other Matters

XVII Other Defense Matters

XVIII Acquisition Reform

A Alignment of the Defense Acquisition System

B Requirements Process Reform

C Matters Relating to Commercial Products and Commercial Services

D Improvements to Acquisition Programs

E Modifications to Strengthen the Industrial Base

B Military Construction Authorizations

XXI Army Military Construction

XXII Navy Military Construction

XXIII Air Force Military Construction

XXIV Defense Agencies Military Construction

XXV International Programs

A North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program

B Host Country In-Kind Contributions

XXVI Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities

XXVII Base Realignment and Closure Activities

XXVIII Military Construction General Provisions

A Military Construction Programs

B Military Housing Reforms

C Real Property and Facilities Administration

D Land Conveyances

E Modifications to Unspecified Minor Military Construction

F Other Matters

C Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations

XXXI Department of Energy National Security Programs

A National Security Programs and Authorizations

B Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations

C Reports and Other Matters

XXXII Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board

XXXIV Naval Petroleum Reserves

XXXV Maritime Administration

D Funding Tables

XLI Procurement

XLII Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation

XLIII Operation and Maintenance

XLIV Military Personnel

XLV Other Authorizations

XLVI Military Construction

XLVII Department of Energy National Security Programs

E Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

I Organization and operations

A Management and consular affairs

B Human resources

C Political affairs

D Other matters

II Workforce matters

III Information security and cyber diplomacy

IV Public diplomacy

V Diplomatic security

VI Miscellaneous

F Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

LXI Intelligence Activities

LXII Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System

LXIII Intelligence Community Matters

LXIV Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness

LXV Matters Relating to Elements of the Intelligence Community

A Central Intelligence Agency

B Elements of Department of Defense

C Federal Bureau of Investigation

LXVI Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies

A Artificial Intelligence

B Biotechnology

C Other matters

LXVII Matters Relating to Foreign Countries

A Matters Relating to China

B Other Matters

LXVIII Reports and Other Matters

G Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

LXXI Coast Guard

A Authorization of appropriations

B Accountability

LXXII Organization, Authorities, Acquisition, and Personnel of the Coast Guard

A Authorities

B Acquisition

C Personnel

D Coast Guard Academy

E Reports and Policies

LXXIII Shipping and Navigation

A Merchant Mariner Credentials

B Vessel Safety

C Ports

Sec. 7321. Ports and waterways safety

(a) In general. Section 8343 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (46 U.S.C. 70034 note) is amended—

(1) by striking 2-year pilot program and inserting pilot program;

(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and

(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

Text this section adds to the law

(c) Authorization. The pilot program under subsection (a) is authorized for fiscal years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, and 2032.

(b) Vessel traffic services

(1) In general. Section 70001 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(A) in subsection (f)(3)(A)—

(i) in clause (vi), by inserting ice cover, after weather,; and

(ii) in clause (vii), by striking Weather data, in coordination with and inserting Weather data and information, in coordination with the Administrator of; and

(B) in subsection (j)(2)(A)—

(i) in clause (vi), by inserting ice cover, after weather,; and

(ii) in clause (vii), by striking Weather data, in coordination with and inserting Weather data and information, in coordination with the Administrator of.

(2) Staffing. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—

(A) an up-to-date analysis of vessel traffic service center staffing levels compared to the standards for such staffing levels provided in the most recent Vessel Traffic Services National Standards for Operating published by the Commandant of the Coast Guard;

(B) a plan to, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, fill any shortfalls in vessel traffic service center staffing levels compared to such standards; and

(C) a plan to ensure that vessel traffic service centers are adequately staffed to manage local variances under section 70001(c) of title 46, United States Code, and other risk factors which may include weather, ice conditions, and other effects on vessel traffic and waters under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.

(3) Report on transition to fiber and satellite data coverage. Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commandant shall submit a detailed report to the appropriate committees of Congress on a plan to transition cameras and other data collection sources used for Vessel Traffic Services to fiber or satellite connection, as appropriate.

(4) Definitions. In this subsection:

(A) Appropriate committees of congress. The term appropriate committees of Congress means—

(i) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and

(ii) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.

(B) Secretary. The term Secretary means the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating.

(C) Vessel traffic service center. The term vessel traffic service center has the meaning given such term in section 70001(n) of title 46, United States Code.

(c) Waterfront safety. Section 70011(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1) by inserting , including damage or destruction resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats after adjacent to such waters; and

(2) in paragraph (2) by inserting or harm resulting from cyber incidents, transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats after loss.

(d) Facility visit by state sponsor of terrorism. Section 70011(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—

(1) in paragraph (3) by striking and at the end;

(2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

Text this section adds to the law

(5) prohibiting a representative of a government of country that the Secretary of State has determined has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism under section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371) from visiting a facility for which a facility security plan is required under section 70103(c).

(e) Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation. Section 70032 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Text this section adds to the law

70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway

(a) In general. Except as provided in subsection (b), the authority granted to the Secretary under sections 70001, 70002, 70003, 70004, and 70011 may not be delegated with respect to the Saint Lawrence Seaway to any agency other than the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Any other authority granted the Secretary under subchapters I through III and this subchapter shall be delegated by the Secretary to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation to the extent the Secretary determines such delegation is necessary for the proper operation of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

(b) Exception. The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, after consultation with the Secretary or the head of an agency to which the Secretary has delegated the authorities in subsection (a), may—

(1) issue and enforce special orders in accordance with section 70002;

(2) establish water or waterfront safety zones, or other measures, for limited, controlled, or conditional access and activity when necessary for the protection of any vessel structure, waters, or shore area, as permitted in section 70011(b)(3); and

(3) take actions for port, harbor, and coastal facility security in accordance with section 70116.

(f) Regulation of anchorage and movement of vessels during national emergency. Section 70051 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or cyber incidents, or transnational organized crime, or foreign state threats, after threatened war, or invasion, or insurrection, or subversive activity,.

(g) Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River cooperative vessel traffic service. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall issue or amend such regulations as are necessary to address any applicable arrangements with the Canadian Coast Guard regarding vessel traffic services cooperation and vessel traffic management data exchanges within the Saint Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.

(h) Clerical amendment. The analysis for chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 70032 and inserting the following:

Text this section adds to the law

70032. Delegation of ports and waterways authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway.

D Matters Involving Uncrewed Systems

E Other Matters

LXXIV Oil Pollution Response

LXXV Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Response

A Accountability Implementation

B Misconduct

C Other matters

LXXVI Comptroller General Reports

LXXVII Amendments

H Other Matters

LXXXI Financial Services Matters

LXXXII Judiciary Matters

LXXXIII Foreign Affairs Matters

A Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025

B BUST Fentanyl Act

C Western Balkans democracy and prosperity

D Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025

E Other Matters

LXXXIV National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps

B South Pacific Tuna Treaty matters

C Other Matters

LXXXV Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025

A General Matters

B Imposition of Sanctions

C Prohibition and notification on investments relating to covered national security transactions

D Securities and Related Matters

LXXXVI Securing the Airspace, Facilitating Emergency Response, and Safeguarding Key Infrastructure, Entertainment Venues, and Stadiums

LXXXVII DFC Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2025

A Definitions and Less Developed Country Focus

B Management of Corporation

C Authorities Relating to the Provision of Support

D Other Matters

LXXXVIII Other Matters