S. 1071
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Sponsor: John Cornyn
1 cosponsor
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
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
(a) Title 10, United States Code. The following provisions of title 10, United States Code, are hereby repealed:
(1) Chapter 345.
(2) Section 3070.
(3) Section 3106.
(4) Section 3373.
(5) Section 3455.
(6) Section 3678.
(7) Section 4423.
(8) Section 8688.
(b) National Defense Authorization Acts. The following provisions are hereby repealed:
(1) Section 883 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 3372 note).
(2) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81)—
(A) section 378 (10 U.S.C. 113 note);
(B) section 380 (10 U.S.C. 4001 note); and
(C) section 875 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3344).
(3) Of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283)—
(A) section 218 (10 U.S.C. 8013 note);
(B) section 846(a) (10 U.S.C. 4811 note); and
(C) section 891 (10 U.S.C. 3804 note).
(4) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92)—
(A) section 232 (10 U.S.C. 4001 note);
(B) section 802 (10 U.S.C. 3206 note); and
(C) section 1651 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note).
(5) Of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232)—
(A) section 222 (10 U.S.C. 4014 note);
(B) section 230 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061); and
(C) section 843 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4171).
(6) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91)—
(A) section 849 (131 Stat. 1487);
(B) section 874 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3101);
(C) section 1089 (10 U.S.C. 4025 note); and
(D) section 1272 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note).
(7) Section 925(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 4271 note).
(8) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92)—
(A) section 802(d)(2) (10 U.S.C. 4251 note);
(B) section 810 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3101);
(C) Section 844(b) (10 U.S.C. 3453 note);
(D) Section 881 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4601); and
(E) Section 883(e) (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).
(9) Section 854 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).
(10) Section 1603 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 10 U.S.C. 4007 note).
(11) Section 2867 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).
(12) Of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111–383)—
(A) section 215 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note);
(B) section 812 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4211);
(C) section 824(a) (10 U.S.C. 3774 note);
(D) section 831(b) (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501);
(E) subsections (a) through (h) of section 863 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501);
(F) subsections (a) through (f) of section 866 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241); and
(G) section 932 (10 U.S.C. 2224 note).
(13) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84)—
(A) section 804 (123 Stat. 2402); and
(B) section 1043 (10 U.S.C. 4174 note).
(14) Of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417)—
(A) section 143 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241);
(B) section 254 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241);
(C) subsections (a) through (c) of section 804 (122 Stat. 4356); and
(D) section 814 (10 U.S.C. 4271 note).
(15) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181)—
(A) section 214 (10 U.S.C. 4841 note);
(B) section 238(b) (10 U.S.C. 4841 note);
(C) section 821 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3451); and
(D) section 881 (Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note).
(16) Of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364)—
(A) section 812 (10 U.S.C. 4325 note); and
(B) section 832 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).
(17) Of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163)—
(A) subtitle D of title II (10 U.S.C. 4841 note); and
(B) section 816 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3344).
(18) Section 851 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108–375; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(19) Of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107–314)—
(A) section 133 (10 U.S.C. 3678 note); and
(B) section 804 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note).
(20) Section 826 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106–398; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(21) Section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104–106; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3201).
(22) Section 812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106–65; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).
(23) Section 913 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (Public Law 99–145; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3201).
(24) Section 1252 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 (Public Law 98–525; 10 U.S.C. 4205 note).
(c) Conforming amendments to place into section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code, the definition of major weapon system formerly contained in section 3455(f) (and, previously, section 2379) of such title
(1) Placing definition into section 101(a). Section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(21) The term major weapon system means a weapon system acquired pursuant to a major defense acquisition program (as that term is defined in section 4201 of this title).
(2) Amending provisions that refer to section 3455(f) so as to refer to section 101(a) instead. The following sections of title 10, United States Code, are each amended by striking section 3455(f) and inserting section 101(a):
(A) Section 118(f)(1).
(B) Section 233a(d).
(C) Section 4325(d).
(D) Section 4401(c)(9).
(3) Amending provisions that refer to section 2379, the predecessor provision to section 3455, so as to refer to section 101(a) instead
(A) Section 2(3) of the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–23; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4321) is amended by striking section 2379(d) and inserting section 101(a).
(B) Section 875(b)(2) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111–383; 10 U.S.C. 1723 note) is amended by striking section 2379(f) and inserting section 101(a).
(C) Section 836(c)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 22 U.S.C. 2767 note) is amended by striking section 2379(f) and inserting section 101(a).
(D) Section 1058(d) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is amended by striking section 2379(f) and inserting section 101(a).
(d) Miscellaneous other conforming amendments
(1) Section 3453(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the procurement official for the solicitation and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the procurement official for the solicitation may require the offeror to submit relevant information..
(2) Section 831 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3701) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (b)(1) by striking sections 2306a(d) and 2379 and inserting section 3705.
(3) Section 4422(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking , subject to the requirements and limitations in section 4423 of this title.
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
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