National Defense Authorization Act: Pay Raise, Policy and Votes
Congress has passed a defense authorization bill every year for more than six decades, which makes it the most reliable vehicle for unrelated policy riders.
Last updated: (4 days ago)· checked hourly against official records
Where it stands now
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Referred to committee.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Referred to Senate committee.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits further consideration in the Senate.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Senate floor debate continues.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits Senate floor debate.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2027. It sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, authorizes the procurement of aircraft and ships, and establishes an expedited qualification process for domestic sources of strategic materials like magnets and alloys. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Defense include foreign military sales demand in its munitions and acquisition planning. Introduced by Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), the bill passed the House in July 2026 and now awaits action in the Senate.
Next step: Referred to House Armed Services Committee.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits Senate floor vote.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2027. It sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, authorizes the procurement of aircraft and ships, and establishes an expedited qualification process for domestic sources of strategic materials like magnets and alloys. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Defense include foreign military sales demand in its munitions and acquisition planning. Introduced by Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), the bill passed the House in July 2026 and now awaits action in the Senate.
Next step: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits further action in the Senate.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2027. It sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, authorizes the procurement of aircraft and ships, and establishes an expedited qualification process for domestic sources of strategic materials like magnets and alloys. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Defense include foreign military sales demand in its munitions and acquisition planning. Introduced by Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), the bill passed the House in July 2026 and now awaits action in the Senate.
Next step: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits further action in the Senate.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits further floor debate and amendment process in the Senate.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2027. It sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, authorizes the procurement of aircraft and ships, and establishes an expedited qualification process for domestic sources of strategic materials like magnets and alloys. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Defense include foreign military sales demand in its munitions and acquisition planning. Introduced by Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), the bill passed the House in July 2026 and now awaits action in the Senate.
Next step: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaits further action in the Senate.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Awaiting Senate floor consideration.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2027. It sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, authorizes the procurement of aircraft and ships, and establishes an expedited qualification process for domestic sources of strategic materials like magnets and alloys. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Defense include foreign military sales demand in its munitions and acquisition planning. Introduced by Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), the bill passed the House in July 2026 and now awaits action in the Senate.
Next step: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense (DOD) activities and Department of Energy national security programs for fiscal year 2026. The legislation authorizes the procurement of aircraft, ships, and missiles, sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, and extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through 2026. It requires the DOD to develop a strategy regarding emerging biotechnologies and repeals various statutory provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the removal of the Chief Diversity Officer position. Introduced by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), the bill passed the Senate in October 2025 and has been sent to the House for consideration.
Next step: Referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027
This bill authorizes funding and sets policy for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and Department of Energy national security activities for fiscal year 2027. It sets personnel strength levels for active duty and reserve forces, authorizes the procurement of aircraft and ships, and establishes an expedited qualification process for domestic sources of strategic materials like magnets and alloys. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Defense include foreign military sales demand in its munitions and acquisition planning. Introduced by Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), the bill passed the House in July 2026 and now awaits action in the Senate.
Next step: Referred to House Committee on Armed Services.
Authorization is not funding
The NDAA authorizes programs and sets policy. It does not hand out money. The actual dollars come from the defense appropriations bill, which can fund less than the NDAA authorizes.
That two-step is why a program can be 'approved by Congress' in the NDAA and still go unfunded.
How it moves
The House and Senate Armed Services committees each write a version, each chamber passes its own, and the differences are reconciled in a conference or an informally negotiated compromise text that both chambers then vote on before it goes to the President.
Amendment fights typically decide the bill's politics: abortion travel policy, diversity offices, drone and AI rules, and aid to allies have all been settled inside the NDAA rather than through separate legislation.
People also ask
What is the NDAA?
The National Defense Authorization Act is the annual bill that authorizes Defense Department programs, troop levels and the military pay raise, and sets defense policy for the coming fiscal year.
What is the military pay raise this year?
The raise is written into the current NDAA text. Tracker items on this page show the bill's status and the vote counts as each chamber acts.