National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

This bill would establish policies and authorize funding levels for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2026. It proposes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles while setting personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve components. Additionally, the legislation would extend the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, require a national security strategy for emerging biotechnologies, and repeal various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the military.

This bill directly affects the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board by establishing their policies and authorities for fiscal year 2026. It impacts active duty and reserve component military personnel through the authorization of specific strength levels, as well as private shipyards involved in the maintenance and repair of Navy surface ships. Additionally, the legislation affects DOD personnel and administrative structures by repealing statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the position of Chief Diversity Officer.

• Authorization of military procurement and personnel levels. The bill authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles for fiscal year 2026. It also sets authorized strength levels for active duty and reserve component personnel.
• Military construction and energy programs. The legislation authorizes specific military construction projects, extends previous project authorizations, and sets policies for Department of Energy national security programs.
• Emerging biotechnology strategy. The Department of Defense is required to develop a strategy addressing the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies.
• Navy surface ship maintenance and readiness. The Navy must implement new processes intended to improve the material condition and combat readiness of surface ships that undergo maintenance and repair at private shipyards.
• Extension of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The bill extends the initiative through fiscal year 2026 to enhance U.S. defense posture, support allies, and increase readiness within the Indo-Pacific region.
• Repeal of diversity, equity, and inclusion provisions. The bill repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Department of Defense, including the position of Chief Diversity Officer.

• Budgetary Determination for Section 1564 of S. 2296, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, as Passed by the Senate on October 9, 2025
  Dec 5, 2025 · In this letter, CBO discusses the effects of enacting section 1564 of S. 2296, as passed by the Senate.
• Estimated Changes in Direct Spending Under S. 2296, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  Sep 3, 2025 · As reported by the Senate Committee on Armed Services on July 15, 2025

The bill establishes policies, authorities, and program authorizations for fiscal year 2026. Certain provisions, such as the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, are specifically extended through the end of fiscal year 2026.

This bill extends the authorization for certain military construction projects from previous fiscal years and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through FY2026. Additionally, it repeals various existing statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Department of Defense, including the established position of Chief Diversity Officer.

The bill establishes policies, authorities, and authorized funding levels for fiscal year 2026 for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security initiatives. Its primary objectives include managing military personnel strength, procuring defense equipment, enhancing maritime combat readiness, and extending the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to bolster U.S. defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.