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
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
(a) Prohibition on use of funds. Until the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Commander of the United States European Command and the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, have each, independently, submitted to the congressional defense committees the certification described in subsection (b) and the applicable assessment described in subsection (c), none of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 may be obligated or expended—
(1) to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces permanently stationed in or deployed to the area of responsibility of the United States European Command below 76,000 for longer than a 45-day period;
(2) to divest, consolidate, or otherwise return to a host country any parcel of land or facility located on real property under the jurisdiction of the United States European Command as of June 1, 2025;
(3) to divest, redeploy, withdraw, or otherwise permanently move out of the area of responsibility of the United States European Command any Department of Defense equipment or physical property with an initial purchase value of more than $500,000 and positioned in such area of responsibility as of June 1, 2025; or
(4) to relinquish the role of the Commander of the United States European Command as North Atlantic Treaty Organization Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
(b) Certification described. The certification described in this subsection is a certification that a proposed action described in any of paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (a)—
(1) is in the national security interest of the United States; and
(2) is being undertaken only after appropriate consultations with all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and relevant non-NATO partners.
(c) Assessment described
(1) In general. An assessment described in this subsection is the following:
(A) In the case of a proposed action described in any of paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a)—
(i) an analysis of the impact of such an action on—
(I) the security of the United States;
(II) the ability of the Armed Forces to provide forward defense of the United States;
(III) NATO’s defense and deterrent posture against current and future Russian aggression, as well as the security of NATO as a whole; and
(IV) the ability of the United States to meet national NATO capability targets, commitments to the NATO Force Model, regional and theater campaign plans, and other warfighting requirements;
(ii) an analysis of the impact of such an action on the ability of the Armed Forces to execute contingency plans of the Department of Defense, including those in the area of responsibility of United States European Command or in support of operations and crisis response in the areas of responsibility of United States Central Command and United States Africa Command;
(iii) a description of the specific requirements being prioritized that necessitate such an action;
(iv) a detailed analysis of the costs, as a result of such an action, for relocation of personnel, equipment, and associated infrastructure;
(v) an analysis of the impact of such an action on military training and major military exercises, including on interoperability and joint activities with NATO allies and partners;
(vi) a description of consultations regarding such an action with each NATO ally and all relevant non-NATO partners;
(vii) an assessment of the impact of such an action on the credibility of United States extended deterrence commitments to NATO allies and the potential for nuclear proliferation in the European theater;
(viii) an assessment of the impact of such an action on transatlantic cooperation to deter potential threats from the People’s Republic of China; and
(ix) with respect to an assessment under this subparagraph relating to a proposed action described in subsection (a)(1), an articulation of the plan, generated in coordination with NATO allies, to ensure that other members of NATO have available capabilities and capacity to assume the roles and responsibilities of the United States Armed Forces to be withdrawn as a result of such action.
(B) In the case of a proposed action described in paragraph (4) of subsection (a)—
(i) an explanation of the role of United States nuclear weapons in supporting NATO operations and activities following such action, including changes to command-and-control relationships and adjustments to the United States nuclear posture;
(ii) a description of consultations regarding such action with all NATO allies and relevant non-NATO partners, including through the Nuclear Planning Group of NATO;
(iii) an assessment of the impact of such action on the effectiveness of NATO nuclear deterrence;
(iv) a risk assessment of—
(I) the nuclear capabilities of NATO allies; and
(II) the potential for nuclear proliferation in Europe; and
(v) a risk assessment of—
(I) the capability and capacity of nuclear-armed NATO allies to effectively deter and, if necessary, defeat likely adversaries in the nuclear domain absent a United States commander serving in the role of North Atlantic Treaty Organization Supreme Allied Commander Europe;
(II) changes to be made to existing United States contingency plans if other NATO member countries with nuclear capabilities were to provide extended nuclear deterrence to NATO; and
(III) the impact of such provision of extended nuclear deterrence on United States nuclear posture and deterrence planning requirements.
(2) Coordination required. In independently conducting the assessments described in clauses (iv) and (v) of paragraph (1)(B) with respect to a proposed action described in subsection (a)(4), the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate such assessment—
(A) with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with respect to the independent risk assessment described in such clause (iv); and
(B) with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, with respect to the independent assessment described in such clause (v).
(d) Form
(1) Certification. The certification described in subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form.
(2) Assessment. The assessment described in subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
(3) Prohibition on modification. Any assessment required under this section shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees without modification or alteration.
(e) Sunset. The limitation under subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2027.
(f) Briefing
(1) In general. Not later than April 15, 2026, and again not later than September 15, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a classified briefing on the implementation of the national defense strategy, including the policy and overall guidance for the governance of the global defense posture.
(2) Delegation. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy may not delegate the briefings required under this subsection.
(3) Limitation. Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, defense-wide, and made available for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy for travel expenses, not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended unless the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy provides the first briefing to Congress required under paragraph (1) not later than April 15, 2026.
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